Posted 2010-11-21 3:30 PM (#127334) Subject: Interior lights not working
Location: Florida
I haven't had to use the interior lights for my 4 Star Trailer (a 2000 3H stock/combo) in months but with the time change, I needed them yesterday. Alas, known of them worked.Before I give up and take her in for a checkup, any ideas on where I should look for a cause? I've hooked it up to both my Suburban and F350 - all the turn signal, running and brake lights work but not the interior (dressing room and box). This would be my first foray into trailer wiring!!Thank you!
Posted 2010-11-22 10:32 PM (#127366 - in reply to #127334) Subject: RE: Interior lights not working
Member
Posts: 24
I have only been able to use my interior lights in the horse area when my trailer is plugged into my truck and the truck is running. I drive an 2001 Exiss 2 horse slant with 4' short wall that is finished. All my other lights work - inside and out. These lights look like they were factory installed - but I really wish they would work from either or both the living quarters and the exterior. Anyone else heard of this?
Posted 2010-11-23 12:58 AM (#127369 - in reply to #127366) Subject: RE: Interior lights not working
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by dyarbro901 on 2010-11-22 10:32 PM
I have only been able to use my interior lights in the horse area when my trailer is plugged into my truck and the truck is running. I drive an 2001 Exiss 2 horse slant with 4' short wall that is finished. All my other lights work - inside and out. These lights look like they were factory installed - but I really wish they would work from either or both the living quarters and the exterior. Anyone else heard of this?
Is your truck a ford?
Ford, in general, does not keep the 12V wire hot with the ignition off.
You may want to get out your continuity tester and start chasing the interior light wires to find out if they only connect with the trailer connection
Posted 2010-11-23 6:48 PM (#127380 - in reply to #127334) Subject: RE: Interior lights not working
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
dyar
Often, that is the case from the factory. We set up all our tow vehicles so that the 12v constant hot wire is on, without the truck running. Then, we set up a receptacle on the exterior of the battery box so that, when we unplug the trailer from the truck, we plug that trailer cord right back into the receptacle on the battery box. Then, the horse compartment/manger lights work without the vehicle involved. Simple, works great.
Posted 2010-11-23 10:59 PM (#127389 - in reply to #127334) Subject: RE: Interior lights not working
Member
Posts: 24
Wow thanks...of course I don't really understand and am not handywoman AT ALL but can usually find a trailer person who understands to help. This is a great forum for those of us who are learning with first trailer.
Posted 2010-11-24 9:47 AM (#127405 - in reply to #127334) Subject: RE: Interior lights not working
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
Just remember to turn off the lights when you are not plugged into shore power or a generator, so you won't eventually drain the trailer batteries!! :)
Interior lights not working
