Page 226 - 2024 Hopkins Towing Solutions Product Guide

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

We use our expertise to answer the towing questions we hear most. If you don’t
find the answer you’re looking for here, feel free to contact our technical support
team at (800) 835-0129.

CONVERTERS GROUND PROBLEMS MISCELLANEOUS
Q: What is a converter? Q: When I have my headlights on and apply Q: When my trailer is connected to my
A: Two types of taillight designs are found the brakes, all the lights on my trailer vehicle, the turn signals are dim and
on vehicles - an independent bulb system go out. What causes this? flashing rapidly. What causes this?
and a common bulb system. If the brake A: You have a ground problem. In your A: When you add trailer lights to a vehicle
light and turn signal operate from the situation, you have a ground that is system, the turn signal amp load
same bulb, the taillight design is strong enough to provide some lighting basically doubles. Most vehicles have a
common. If the brake and turn work functions but not all. This is called a flasher that controls the blink of a turn
from separate bulbs, the design is weak ground. When the taillights and signal. The standard flasher provided in
independent. The industry standard found brake lights are used at the same time, it many vehicles will not handle this extra
on trailers is a common bulb system. creates the maximum amp load of lights load. You should replace your flasher
Vehicles will vary depending on the make on the trailer. If a ground problem with a heavy-duty flasher (8 to 10 amp)
and model. Any vehicle that has an exists, it will show at this point. The and make sure the vehicle engine is
independent bulb system must have a places to check grounds are as follows: running. The flasher will slow down your
converter to “convert” the independent 1. The connector on the vehicle should turn signals and a running engine will
system to a common which is required have a ground wire secured tightly to a increase brightness of the lamps.
on a trailer. clean surface on the frame. A wire
A converter enables vehicles with attached to the body or a surface with BRAKE CONTROLS
independent brake lights and turn signals undercoating or rust can cause a ground Q: What is the difference between inertia
to provide proper lighting to the trailer. problem. activated and time based brake
2. The connector on the trailer should have controls?
Q: Why do I need a power converter? a wire from the connector secured A: A time based brake control sends out
A: Electronics on many newer vehicles are tightly to a clean surface on the trailer. your adjusted power setting over a set
not equipped to handle the extra amp 3. Each tail lamp assembly at the back of time frame with each depression of the
load that trailer lights require. A power the trailer also must be grounded. This brake pedal, regardless of how hard you
converter provides power directly from is done in one of two ways. The first is press or how long you hold the brake
the battery bypassing the electronics. by a separate wire coming from the back pedal. An inertia based proportional
This guarantees protection for sensitive of each tail lamp assembly being controller activates the trailer brakes
electronics found on these vehicles. secured to the frame. The second, and according to how much braking force
most popular ground, is achieved was created while braking your vehicle.
Q: What is the reason for the battery lead through the bolts of the tail lamp This ensures that the brake control is
wire on the power converter? assembly. In this case, the lamp housing proportionally sending the same amount
A: This wire provides the power to the must be attached to the frame of the of power to the trailer brakes, mirroring
the braking of the tow vehicle.
trailer lights. Green / RT, yellow / LT, red trailer. If the lights are mounted on wood
/ brake, and brown / taillights going to or PVC material, the light will not receive MISCELLANEOUS
the power converter are only used as a ground.
signal. Once a function is used on the 4. The last possibility to explore is in the Q: What is the 5th pin for on a 5 flat
vehicle, the converter provides the actual trailer design. If the trailer has a tilting connector?
power for the trailer lights from the bed, it is possible the ground is not A: The 5th pin is for the reverse function.
battery. This allows us to bypass all the passing through the pivot point resulting
vehicle electronics to provide guaranteed in a poor ground. The solution to this is Q: What is the difference between a towed
safety. to route a ground wire from the connector vehicle wiring kit and a vehicle wiring
kit?
FUSE BURN OUT at the front of the trailer to each lamp A: Towed vehicle wiring kits are for wiring a
assembly at the back of the trailer
Q: Why am I blowing fuses on my vehicle? bypassing this pivot point. vehicle to be towed behind a
A: Check all wires for bare copper or places NOTE: The trailer hitched to the ball of motorhome. Vehicle wiring kits are for
where a wire could be pinched and the vehicle should never be considered wiring a vehicle to tow a trailer.
calculate the amp load your trailer is sufficient ground. TOWING TIPS
pulling. Most vehicles are equipped to
handle only standard lighting on trailers - Q: When I use one turn signal, the other 1. Occasionally apply dielectric grease to
one turn / brake signal on each side and one blinks. What causes this? all electrical terminals to prevent
corrosion and ensure good continuity.
one marker light on each front corner. A: This is usually related to one of two 2. When testing to see if trailer lights are
INFORMATION specific ratings. somewhere in the system. All wiring, 3. Always check all trailer lights before
Check your vehicle owner’s manual for
things. The first could be a short
functioning, ensure trailer is connected
along with the vehicle connector, should
to the ball mount of the vehicle hitch.
be checked and tested. The second,
which is the most common problem, is a
towing to ensure proper operation.
weak ground in the system. Refer to
the above question and follow
breakaway system before towing.
steps one through four. 4. Always check battery level of the
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