Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Trailer Lights
Posted by MW on 09/14/07 - 5:15 PM
#1
The right side tail assembly works with "Stop" & "Turn", I still can't get the "TAIL LIGHT" to work when the headlights are on, I changed the bulb, checked bulb with the other socket (O.K), switched bulb's still N/G. I put a test light on the right light socket with the head lights on and I have "Contact", test light is "on", checked ground (white) wire "GOOD" on the socket. I noticed that I lost the test light (went OFF), when I put the bulb in the socket, and checked the brown wire leading to the socket, I took the bulb out and the test light showed "Tail light "ON" or "working" again, I'm wondering if there is a short in the socket (it looks a bit worn and aged and NOT in as good condition as the left one, I'll try new assembly from "Wal-mart" $6.95)... When I bought my trailer years ago, I did'nt have the boat yet, (I needed the trailer to go and get it, no trailer included in the sale), they never really set the trailer up right where I bought it, I got "We took a good guess, we used to be a Whaler dealer", It does not sit well on the side boards, it can slip off the chines and get "Rocky" on the keel rollers ( I tie it down very tightly on the trailer when in transit), one year I got a small 1' dimple where it sad on the roller all winter, now I jack her up and brace the bottom by the transom with blocks evening out the weight, it still does not really sit on there right, I don't have a fork lift to adjust it properly, I tried to do it with jacks but it tend's to "Walk" side way's when jacking the Hull up for trailer adjustment, is there any other way to do this ? sorry for the being a bit "Long in da toof", any input is appreciated, Thank-You !
mw
Posted by arthureld on 09/14/07 - 6:49 PM
#2
Hey MW, why don't you take that thing to a trailer shop and pay the $100 to have it fixed up? hehe
That's what others told me. lol
Wish I could help you, but I suck at electrical. Ok, let's be real. I don't know nuthin. :|
It seems like if you are out of adjustment, you could attach some wood on your bunks and put carpet on the wood. You'd probably want to use some waterproof imitation wood or fiberglass resin over real wood. Good luck
Edited by arthureld on 09/14/07 - 7:29 PM
Posted by ioptfm on 09/14/07 - 7:15 PM
#3
You may have a grounding problem. Check the white wire on the trailer harness and connect it to a clean metal spot so it makes good contact and that may clear up your problem.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 09/14/07 - 8:32 PM
#4
I agree with ioptfm, it sound like a grounding problem.
Make sure you have a good ground to the vehicle and make sure the light is well grounded if you have the type of light that connects to a ground via the way it is mounted.
Most lighting problems are generally GROUND related......
Posted by Derwd24 on 09/14/07 - 11:54 PM
#5
Try tapping into the brown tail light wire with a pin right in back of the light housing (make sure you go deep enough to get a connection), then connect one end of your test light to the pin and the other end to the round socket housing that the light screws into (this is the ground connector to the bulb base). If your light turns on, it's a bad socket. If it doesn't turn on, move the test light probe from the socket base to a clean spot on the mail trailer frame. If you then get a light on, it's a ground issue in the light. Many trailer light sockets are made incredibly cheaply and it's amazing they work past one season, esp with salt water use.
Edited by Derwd24 on 09/14/07 - 11:58 PM
Posted by PaulTarwater on 09/15/07 - 1:44 AM
#6
Correct on the ground. I installed new LED trailer lights last Tue and had to ground both lights at the light terminal (end trailer lights) as well as the pigtail at the ball hookup. Paul
Posted by MW on 09/15/07 - 3:08 AM
#7
Thank's guy's, I also found this link helpful if anyone would like to join in on "FUN" of fixing their trailer lights
http://autorepair.about.com/cs/doityourself/l/aa031503b.htm
mw