Trailer marker light problems

[Highridge]

Hello,
I've got a 2004 Navigator and I pull a 14' landscape trailer w/ electric brakes. My problem is that the fuse for the side-marker lights keeps blowing. I think this is because the Navigator has the photo-electric auto-lights that go on and off when the light outside changes and the trailer lights do the same. The brake/turn signals lights and brakes work but those are on seperate fuses. I replaced the side-marker fuse and I took the trailer on about 4 trips and the fuse blew again? I also tow it with my buddies Silverado 3/4 ton and they work fine on his truck. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[gordon21]

Try turning the lights on manually to the far right position of the switch and not using the Ford auto-lamp feature.

 

[TOMDUALLY]

What I did on my F-250 was put in a seperate switch (toggle switch) then ran a hot wire back to the trailer plug on the truck, cut the tail light wire (usually brown) and hooked the hot wire to the wire going into the plug. Then all you have to do is remember to flip the toggle switch for your trailer lights. Leave your brake lights and turn signals wired as they are. Fords are known to have undersized in thier light system. Mine burned up two light switches before I changed it.

 

[Highridge]

Gordon 21, I've tried that with no success
Tomdually, thanks for the idea, I'll have to think about that.

 

[gordon21]

Go see someone at a Ford truck dealer where they sell a LOT of pickups. Ford has had a few nasty recalls concerining light switchs and related wiring. Talking about wiring issues may get their attention. Your vehicle may have a pending recall that needs to be done?? Navigators should definitely be considered a big towing vehicle. It's not like your trying to tow a 30' trailer with a full DOT light package with a Mustang.

 

[mudcat]

Trade it in and buy a Chevy!!!!

 

[Highridge]

I knew that was coming, but I like both (but Fords are #1 )

 

[Highbeam]

The new chevys, at least the wife's Yukon, have ther stupid auto-on headlights too.

 

[kentrodngun]

Go see someone at a Ford truck dealer where they sell a LOT of pickups. Ford has had a few nasty recalls concerning light switchs and related wiring. Talking about wiring issues may get their attention. Your vehicle may have a pending recall that needs to be done?? Navigators should definitely be considered a big towing vehicle. It's not like your trying to tow a 30' trailer with a full DOT light package with a Mustang.

I second that advice. Check with your dealer. My former Ford van, with the factory tow package option, had electrical problems and had to be repaired twice (fortunately both times under recall / warranty). Doesn't cost to call & ask.

 

[MikeD74T]

Highridge, I assume you also loose the trailer taillights as well. It shouldn't make any difference how you turn the lights on as far as electrical load is concerned. Since another truck does not experience the proplem I'd be looking for an short in your truck circuits. Look for wires that have the potential to move as the trailer flexes around corners, over bumps, etc. Do you have a factory hardwired rigidly mounted recepticle or a wire extension? A wire extension would flex more and is more easily damaged. Intermittant shorts can be a real pain to find. I had one where the wires ran thru a hollow tongue. No amount of wiggling would recreate the problem. Just stumbled onto it when I'd decided to give up looking & rewire the whole trailer. The tail light/marker wire had chaffed mid way and would occasionally short on a bump. Figured there must have been a burr in the tongue from the galvanizing. Put on lots of tape & never had a problem again. Mike