FIX YOUR TRAILER LIGHTS (2) - How The Circuit Works

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

TO PURCHASE A MULTIMETER - amzn.to/3VmWcfM

[@dbtech429]

4yr old video and still helping people. Great job eh. A giant thank ya from the U.P.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad to help

[@youcanthide004]

HANDS DOWN , the easiest most comprehensive explanation/tutorial I have ever seen regarding Trailer Lights on KZbin. And a fantastic 101 for how a basic "circuit" works. Well done sir!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for that very kind comment and you are welcome!

[@TheHaubie]

Bless your heart!! The best 20 minutes I could have spent to get a basic understanding of short vs open circuits! You are a fabulous teacher.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

thanks!

[@scottrivers6472]

The second video of yours I have watched as I try to trouble shoot my trailer lights. Amazing videos, very clearly explained and understandable. Thank you

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are very welcome!

[@bill_4888]

Retired high school electronics teacher here.... nice job with your visuals, video inserts, and explanations!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Awesome, thank you! KPO

[@mikethebanker3735]

Thanks you thank you thank you!!!! I have had an issue for a long time...rewired my whole trailer, lights didn’t work, popped fuses, etc. I watched so many other videos without success. Watched 3 of theses series and finally fixed!!! Your simple explanation of how the trailer becomes the white wire did it!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

That is awesome to hear! So glad the video helped! KPO

[@prayertool]

So here’s the deal …. I know you did this video five years ago but I just viewed it because I am having some trailer wiring issues. Your video helped me to understand that I personally have had an “open circuit / burnt bulb” for 69 years. It has originated in my brain. Lol. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR LAYMAN EXPLANATION OF TRAILER WIRING. IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad I could help

[@Haunch18]

This series is fantastic! You are a wonderful teacher, all concepts are presented in an easy to understand format. I just built my kayak trailer and something went wrong with the wiring. I am a novice and a wildly independent woman, determined to complete my build. Now with all this knowledge, I can easily address and fix! Thank you and God Bless!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You're very welcome! Thanks for that comment.

[@tsar54]

Just bought a used boat w trailer. Lights didn't work. This video gave me lots of info to troubleshoot the problem. FIXED! Thanks.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Awesome, KPO.

[@RMG02841]

Awesome video! Thank you for making this so easy to understand, even for someone who has no background whatsoever with this!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fritzythebomer]

Great job explaining circuits and how they are implemented with vehicles, trailers, and why the circuit might be opened through the frame or other connections. Just what i needed to learn

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it helped.

[@garrywood5908]

I just wanted to tell you thank you so much for making your videos because they help out a lot. Have a great day thank you Janine from California

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are so welcome!

[@brianknight6388]

Thanks Dave! After trying all of your recommendations, I should’ve started with the easiest one first. Just because my truck is a 2021, does not mean that the trailer parking lamp fuse is not blown! I’ve never had a trailer hooked up since I bought the truck, but low and behold, that fuse was causing my running lights not to work on the trailer. Brake and turn signals worked, just not the running lights. On the bright side now I have a wire wheel and a multimeter for my tool shed.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad you got it squared away

[@jamiecupolo825]

A absolute must! Trailer wiring 101! This is video has an excellent drawing with clear teaching of the trailer light circuitry.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks Jamie, KPO.

[@Eb42950]

Great video! I spent the afternoon troubleshooting my trailer lights. Almost every problem I've had in the past have been due to grounding problems. I couldn't understand why my brake lights and turn signals worked perfectly, but I had no running lights and no side marker lights. After checking everything I could think of, I found that if I moved the swing arm of the trailer I got the lights to flicker on and off. It appears that corrosion was the problem and cleaning the area around where the pin secures the arm was the fix. Also one thing that I do before backing the trailer into the water is to disconnect the wiring harness in order to not blow the fuse in the truck.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

glad this helped

[@IfYouGiveUpYouLose]

Thank you!! I was planning on taking a couple of calves to the sale barn next week so decided to check out my livestock trailer today. It'd been working perfectly, but today I found no lights at all, so I did the obligatory walk around looking for broken wires or any other clues. Even connected the pickup to another trailer to make sure the problem wasn't with the truck. The other trailer worked fine so it wasn't the pickup. I then decided to get some guidance from KZbin and kind of randomly picked this one. Glad I did. The infamous "white wire" you mentioned being the ground running from the plug (mine is a 7 point, but grounds the same) appeared to be connected to the trailer (but with a pop rivet, no less!?!?) and the wire was unbroken. The pop riveted connection, which was to the underside of the trailer, did look a little flaky. I cut the factory white ground wire and using a crush connector, I attached a piece of solid copper wire to the end of the braided copper trailer ground wire, drilled a guide hole in the frame, then using a self-tapping metal screw, attached the solid copper wire. Immediately, problem solved, saving hours of time not to mention the frustration! Thanks again!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I'm so glad this video helped you out. Also check out this playlist I made with several other trailer light videos I did. LINK - kzbin.info/aero/PLksX0m4wrQHxmTQj8rk3Sazefa3uITFe4 I think you'll find more helpful stuff in these vids also. Thanks so much for the comment, KPO.

[@brettrae]

you're a great teacher. Very clearly explained for someone (me) who is a newbie! Thanks

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You're very welcome! KPO

[@anncameron8515]

Thank you for this. Getting ready to rewire my old vintage trailer camper and didn’t have a clue how to do it. You are a good teacher.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Ann, also check out this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2KXnJtoeb6XhdE It will help with rewiring also. Thanks for the kind words, KPO.

[@RPB-nx7vj]

Excellent Video! Never really understood trailer wiring until now. Thank You.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Great to hear!

[@lawlahwatson8754]

Excellent Instructor. Thanks Dave. You help me clearance lights on a mini Bus. The principles still apply.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

welcome

[@brianeide8761]

Great overview making everything simple to understand. You have a gift for teaching!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I appreciate that!

[@rahaviggysegev274]

Something that is so obvious that it seems like it doesn't need to be said was stumping me with my trailer light installation. That was that the GROUND of the taillight is being created by BOLTING the light onto the metal FRAME of the trailer. I had mounted my lights on a piece of wood that I was bolting in place on the trailer. Result - no lights - I hadn't realized that the bolts on the back of the lights are what is creating the ground in the circuit and closing it. Once I added a wire from the bolt on the back and attached it to the frame of the trailer the problem was solved. Thanks for the video it helped me figure this out as it made me think about where the circuit was on the lights and where the ground was - the bolts!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for the feedback, KPO.

[@jhonatanalvarez05]

Finally I come across someone who explains it just right.. Thank You.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

thanks

[@scottcates]

Thank you, man. This is very helpful to me as I troubleshoot my faulty trailer lights this winter. Also, your "TRAILER" has no wheels 😜

[@yocz2007]

You made it so simple, that I got it in one shot, thanks a lot pale, you are the best!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Great to hear!

[@mikesagal1092]

Thanks for a very informative video. I had a u built trailer that had some challenging wiring that needed to be troubleshooted. With the knowledge gained in your video I was able to fix my trailer lights myself. Thanks for going full geek and showing the wiring diagrams on a whiteboard!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome Mike! Thanks for the comment, KPO.

[@LindyDimond]

Amazing video and great explanation on how the trailer lights work! Thank you so much!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are very welcome!

[@Laura-lr3sz]

OMG, thank you!!!!!! You are truly the wiring/circuit whisperer.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You're welcome Laura! KPO.

[@santasliteshow9421]

I've watched tow of you video's so far, both on trailer lights and issues and you really helped me...Thank you

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome, thanks for watching, KPO.

[@blackberryflash6893]

Man, you have a knack for teaching. I learned a lot.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I appreciate that! KPO.

[@scottgoessling]

Best explanation I have heard to-date. Well done!! Subscribed.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Welcome aboard!

[@tricollett]

Unbelievably helpful! Thank you for the in-depth break down!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juanmarquez2810]

thanks for the information! i have running lights that won’t work on a trailer, even though the brake and signal lights do work. i should have a short circuit, i’ll check if i have any blown fuses to confirm!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Or your brown (running lights) wire has a bad connection, and definitely clean the plug too.

[@stevenbisaillon7321]

Very good lesson. This was very helpful for me.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad to hear it!

[@kellymeier579]

Best description of a trailer circuit I've seen. Tank you!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks Kelly! KPO.

[@jonathanbunker1090]

Greetings from the Adirondack mountains of upstate NY. Really enjoy watching your hunting/fishing vid's, please keep them coming. (would love to see a tour and/or hear the story of your camp sometime) Also nice to see someone sharing practical info in a world where so many people can't be bothered to fix simple things and many dude's don't even know how to change a tire!!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Jonathan, great minds think alike. I've been jotting down a few things about our camp history. Hopefully I can get this together for a video soon. Thanks for the support, KPO.

[@richardkarst6011]

I've been searching for a good explanation to my potential trailer light problem. This was awesome!! I pretty sure I just have an "open" circuit. I just need to find it now. Unfortunately, it's not my bulb. :(

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@russellborns7575]

Great video! Taking the time to explain the flow, or lack there of, for electricity and how both the truck and the trailer frames play a vital role was perfect. Thanks for going into such detail, now it’s time to apply the new knowledge! 🙏🏻

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I hope it helps, KPO.

[@thetruth8958]

Great presentation,best one I've seen on this subject.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thank you for that comment, KPO.

[@SVwindsor]

Thank-you good sir. You should make school for people like us who want to do projects which include electric wiring but are too scared to do it

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for that comment.

[@hehazrisen3529]

The best explanation ever! Thank you Bro….

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CraigSiderio]

Great video. If they did make the white wire as long as the rest of the harness it would basically eliminate the ground issue.Its more work but in my opinion saved my customers $ and me time when diagnosing.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

very true

[@CiscoKid-vf4qj]

Sucess my friend I discovered that with the factory installed hitch there is a converter and four fuses under a panel behind my drivers seat. They are labeled stop, left, right, and tail all 5 amp fuses the stop one was broken switched with another one and BINGO! Thanks for all your attention and I look forward to learning more from your vids.👍🏽

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Awesome! I bet it blew when that broken trailer was plugged in. Glad I was able to help. KPO

[@CiscoKid-vf4qj]

Knetters Practical Outdoors Thanks again!👍🏽

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome! KPO

[@leskavage]

I really appreciate you for taking the time to make this video and providing such a thorough explanation.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You're welcome.

[@RaVAndres]

Great video, thanks for taking your time to explain all. I have an issue after new LED light installed. only when turn on the right turn signal, all trailer lights blinks (other side turn signal and brake light blinks). But if I turn on the left turn signal, works perfect. Thanks again.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

It sounds like that right fixture isn't grounded properly and it is back feeding through the other fixtures. Check for a loose or corroded ground (white) at that right fixture. Let me know how it turns out, KPO.

[@RaVAndres]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors thanks for your reply. After searching for the problem checking the trailer wiring harness, trailer plug and the car itself with a multimiter I found the problem, was the cambus box that cames with the trailer hitch. Only the internal circuit in the box of the right turn signal light have a shortcut and bridged to the brake lights . So in the mean time I disconnected the right turn signal from the box and wiring directly (car-trailer). Now all lights works perfect.

[@paulgiacovelli9754]

Great video, easy to understand. I wish you were my neighbor. Thanks. Wish me luck getting my rear submersible lights working on my trailer. 👍

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for that comment. Be sure to check out my full trailer light playlist, LINK - kzbin.info/aero/PLksX0m4wrQHxmTQj8rk3Sazefa3uITFe4 It might help you with your lights, KPO.

[@philwoodard8087]

Excellent video. Well explained. Thank you!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome!

[@michaelpaller8303]

Great presentation that clarifies basic concepts

[@dronetalkhere1168]

Great tutorial mate. I really enjoyed it. Thanks Mate

[@stochasmvid]

Awesome, thank you! Full-geeking out on this so I can fix my trailer lights!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad I could help!

[@gregfredericks3376]

great video thanks man, easy to understand for dummies like me hahah, appreciate these videos man!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad you like them!

[@tashalynn7480]

Had my lights all hooked up and I got nothing. You reminded me to connect the ground wire,which I had forgotten. Thank you!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Tasha Lynn, you are very welcome. Thanks for watching and thanks for the feed back, KPO.

[@yoeltorres2720]

Excellent! Thank you. Now I can understand much better how that works. 👍🏻

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it helped!

[@christyc911]

Thank you for the help …very easy to understand thru ur teachings !

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

thanks!

[@Jmfwyant815]

Good looking out buddy. I'm very familiar with wiring. However I was legit unsure about something, and intelligence prevailed, so I clicked this fella's video, and I guessed right, and I also learned something that I didn't rightly know. Absofuckinglutely the best to to point explanations, cut and dry, and explained in a manner that even a true life mental giant would understand it.😂😂 Seriously though, great comprehensive video broham. 🤙

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks so much for that comment!

[@Xaiddy]

You just saved me a headache brother! Thanks for the explanation of trailering and short vs open circuits. Thank you!!!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are very welcome my friend, KPO.

[@barrybebenek8691]

Absolutely a fantastic explanation. Nice. 🇨🇦👍🏼

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad you liked it!

[@cowboynohorse6646]

Thank you. You know your wiring and how to explain it simply. Great video.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zlopuszynski]

Good job on explaining the concept.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thank you, KPO.

[@walterharris4194]

Have a blessed day, thanks for the information. 🙏❤

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Welcome!

[@jordyberson4653]

Thanks, this was fantastic and very helpful.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You're welcome! KPO

[@pinohatoum3623]

I have to say you are very very good I appreciate the way you explained it and very simple way I totally agree with you you are really good

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks so much Pino, KPO.

[@MrArizonajason]

You are an awesome teacher! fantastic video! Well done Sir.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks a lot for that comment. I hope the vid helps out, KPO.

[@zambalic1]

Excellent presentation.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thank you kindly!

[@whitenoiseproaudio]

awesome practical advice - thanks. It made it all much simpler to understand

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for that comment, KPO.

[@jonathanmozingo1]

Thanks for a very clear presentation.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome! KPO

[@BobbyBowker]

Excellent video and series

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

thanks

[@brucefite]

You are a very good teacher! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome, KPO.

[@carpy1179]

Dude, this was super helpful! Thank you so much!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad to hear it!

[@FuniTopHat]

Excellent work on explaining. Thanks

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome, KPO.

[@joseescalante9009]

great presentation, I enjoyed

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad to hear it Jose, KPO.

[@dustbustr91]

very great stuff. my professor would call this a home run presentation

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Wow, thanks!

[@hornet224]

👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 Master teacher that makes it all clear to understand. I'm ready to go for it.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Great to hear! Thanks for that comment, KPO.

[@paulenright]

Excellent presentation...thanks for the step by step👍

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome. If interested I have several other trailer light vids at my channel kzbin.info/aero/PLksX0m4wrQHxmTQj8rk3Sazefa3uITFe4 Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@kennb.4169]

Wonderful and insightful overview... Thank you!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joshuasmith2689]

Mind blown that the circuit comes through the frame... whaaat, wow...

[@joshuasmith2689]

Another moment for me was realizing that a short circuit... is actually a shorter circuit! Loving this video series.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for the support, glad to help.

[@joey9193]

Bloody brilliantly explained. Well done.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching, KPO.

[@mstr51269]

Very detailed great video !!!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thank you! I hope it helps, KPO.

[@evanlee2222]

Really good explanation really nice

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad you liked it!

[@michaelwinn3144]

Great explanation. Thank you

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Welcome! KPO.

[@RealStraightTruthBroadcast]

Thank you sir for your step by step teaching. How do I get your other videos? Do you have an electrical course you teach? Good job .

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Here are some of my other videos on trailer lights LINK - kzbin.info/aero/PLksX0m4wrQHxmTQj8rk3Sazefa3uITFe4 I have worked in the electrical field for 30 years but I do not teach professionally. Only a little home schooling with my kids. Thanks for the comment, KPO.

[@aloysiusjones3985]

Perfect. Great explanation. Many thanks. 🇦🇺👍🍺

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Mr40tt]

Very Well Presented! Thank You Captain Carpman

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Hope it helps, KPO.

[@stevemizera3891]

Excellent explanation. Even a fifth grader would understand

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

thanks

[@fredcash4038]

Very good video easy to understand thanks

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it helped

[@mcmuffin007]

Thanks for taking the time to put this video together, very helpful. I have a question regarding a a trailer harness with two white (ground) wires on it. Each side will have its own ground wire running the entire length of my trailer. Even though each light will be grounded by this wire will I still need to have a ground wire attached to the trailer? Thanks for your time.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

No you won't need to ground the fixtures to the trailer if they each have their own white wire. But it's not a bad idea to make sure the trailer is grounded too. That will help anytime a hot wire comes loose and touches the trailer frame to cause a short circuit and blow a fuse. Which is what you want to have happen in that situation.

[@mcmuffin007]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors thank you, very helpful!

[@peter-yc7di]

Best video. Helped me understand

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Great to hear!

[@howruhunnie]

Awesome explanation! You clearly have a thorough understanding of electricity and it's application. Thank you for taking the time to make a complete video at even a beginners level for almost anyone to comprehend. Your understanding of the subject, willingness to share combined with your ability to teach has made many people happy and grateful. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING / SHARING!! SUBSCRIBED!!👍

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Welcome to the channel and thanks for the comment!

[@TheRelger]

Thanks. I’m going out to look at my trailer wiring now!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I hope it helps, KPO.

[@ShopGoatVentures]

Perfect instruction!

[@russelldisalvo9810]

Great video right side of my trailer wasn’t working until I grounded it like you said 👍🏻.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it helped

[@hectorgduran]

Very helpful!! Thank you!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@larrylefebvre2237]

Very informative video. I learned quite a bit especially the importance of the ground wire. I am in the process of re-wiring my small utility trailer and was thinking of using old three wire (black, white and ground) from an extension cord. Use the white to green on the left side, white to yellow on the right, use the black to replace the brown and have it joined together and use the entire ground system. I would obviously run two parallel wire on each side. I think it may be better for the ground to have a complete circuit instead of using the trailer frame as a ground. What are your thoughts on this set-up.?

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Well, I hate to stray from the correct colors, but using a wire for the ground instead of relying on trailer continuity is a good practice. Just make sure to ground the trailer too.

[@MrCoopersdad]

Super helpful, thank you

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@willwarren4625]

Great explanation. I learned more about circuits here than I did in college physics.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Hey thanks for that comment! KPO

[@chriskinnersley5384]

Great video! Thank you.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad you liked it!

[@aarondearick9375]

Awesome video. Thanks man!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad you liked it!

[@Rallen6509]

Wow just what I needed thank you sir

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad it helped

[@AnnieMac614]

Thank you! Trying to trouble shoot flickering running lights on our horse trailer - they are on when we excelerate and flick / go off if we take foot off gas - it’s a goose neck so I’m chasing a loose ground or …? We will see tomorrow 😂

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Check this video out also - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpK4m2qQfteqd80 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/faDPin-fr7SWpdk if you have any other questions. These should get you fixed! Let me know!