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Trailer Lights REALLY Dim

Discussion in 'Jeep Trailer Tech' started by The Wizard, Mar 7, 2006.

  1. Mar 7, 2006
    The Wizard

    The Wizard Member

    Colorado...
    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2005
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    179
    This past weekend I finially installed a mil spec intervehicle connector on my stock 1974 CJ5. Made sure my connection were correct using a test light and then I hooked up my 1/4 ton M101CDN trailer. I had already replaced the 24 volt bulbs with 12 volt ones. Tried the lights and could not see anything in day light. Rechecked my connection and realize the lights were working but were extremely dim. Waited until it was dark and tryied the lights again. Even when it was very dark could hardly see the lights. Ant ideas?
     
  2. Mar 7, 2006
    speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    Living the Good...
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    I'd Check the ground on the trailer first.
     
  3. Mar 7, 2006
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
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    8,513
    :iagree:

    BG = bad ground
    grounding thru the hitch almost never works
    make sure you ground thru the plug
    good ground on Jeep, good ground on trailer, good plug connection
     
  4. Mar 7, 2006
    The Wizard

    The Wizard Member

    Colorado...
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    Jul 12, 2005
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    The first thing I did was check the ground and made sure everything was making good connection. Spent Saturday night and most of Sunday afternoon checking the wiring and connetions. I am wondering if the difference in wire size (gage) is causing the problem. Wires on the trailer are large then those on the jeep. Maybe something to do with V=IR that I barely remember learning back in high school electrical shop class.
     
  5. Mar 7, 2006
    speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

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    Is there another trailer you could hook to? OR another vehicle you could hook to the trailer. I'm trying to figure out if it's the JEEP or the trailer.
     
  6. Mar 7, 2006
    Zoomer

    Zoomer eJeeper (walking)

    Minnesota
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    I agree with Speedbuggy, it would be best to try determine if it's the Jeep or the trailer. If the canadian M101 is wired anything like the US M416, it doesn't even use the trailer chassis as a ground. IIRC, individual grounds are brought up into the tongue area and the ground is actually run through the intervehicle connector.
     
  7. Mar 7, 2006
    schardein

    schardein Low Range Therapy

    Success, MO
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    Aug 11, 2003
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    My first thought was 24 volt bulbs but you said you already replaced those.
     
  8. Mar 7, 2006
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    run a jumper ground wire from the Jeep to the trailer to test ground
    quick and easy to do
     
  9. Mar 7, 2006
    The Wizard

    The Wizard Member

    Colorado...
    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2005
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    179
    First thing I checked was if I had a good ground between the trailer and Jeep. As Zoomer said the ground is through the intervehicle connector. I suspect I have a voltage drop between the connector at the Jeep and the bulb socket. What voltage should I see at the trailer bulb socket? I am 99.9% sure I have continuity(sp?) and I am wondering if the larger wire sixe in the trailer is causing the voltage drop?
     
  10. Mar 7, 2006
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    Larger wire size = better conductor, less resistance, less voltage drop.
     
  11. Mar 7, 2006
    Zoomer

    Zoomer eJeeper (walking)

    Minnesota
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    I'm pretty sure on my M416 this wouldn't help. I don't think the light grounds are even connected to the trailer chassis. It may help on a M101 if it is wired differently than a M416, and may be worth a try.
     
  12. Mar 8, 2006
    tomcam

    tomcam Member

    Savannah Tn.
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2005
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    89
    You might try using a 12v batt with jumper wires at the trailer connector
    and see if you get full lights
     
  13. Mar 16, 2006
    Kodiak12060

    Kodiak12060 Sponsor

    Beacon NY
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2002
    Messages:
    465
    I had that w/ a utility trailer last night. It was the ground.
    Clean all the contacts and use dialectric, spelling? grease
     
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