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Connecting and Checking Your Trailer Lights – Keeping Safe!

Writer's picture: BrentBrent

Hey there again, Brent here from Get Brent!

Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked but is absolutely critical when you’re towing a trailer—making sure your trailer lights are properly connected and working. It’s a simple task, but it’s one that can make all the difference between a safe, smooth journey and a potential roadside mishap.


Whether you’re new to towing or you’ve been at it for years, double-checking your lights before you hit the road is a step you don’t want to skip. Let me walk you through how to get it done right.


Step 1: Connecting the Trailer Lights

First up, once your trailer is hitched and secured (if you need a refresher, check out my blog on safely attaching your trailer!), it’s time to connect the electrics. Every trailer has a wiring harness that plugs into your vehicle to sync up the brake lights, indicators, and tail lights. Here’s how to do it right:

  1. Find the Socket – Your car or towing vehicle should have a socket near the tow bar. It’s usually a 7-pin or 13-pin plug (depending on your trailer’s setup). Make sure the pins on both the socket and plug are clean and rust-free. A dodgy connection can cause lights to flicker or fail altogether.

  2. Line Up and Plug-In – Grab the trailer plug, line it up with your vehicle’s socket, and plug it in firmly. You should feel a solid click when it’s properly connected. If it’s loose, your lights might cut in and out as you’re driving – and that’s no good!

  3. Cable Management – Now, make sure the wiring cable has enough slack so that it doesn’t get pulled tight when you’re turning corners, but not so much that it’s dragging on the ground. A few twists of the cable can help take up any excess length.




Step 2: Testing Your Trailer Lights

Once you’ve got the trailer plugged in, it’s time to test the lights. Don’t skip this step, mate – it’s the difference between being safe and being sorry!

Here’s what to check:

  1. Brake Lights – Hit the brakes and make sure both brake lights on the trailer light up nice and bright. You don’t want anyone rear-ending you because they didn’t know you were stopping.

  2. Indicators – Flick on your left and right indicators and make sure they blink properly. This lets drivers behind you know when you’re turning or changing lanes. Double-check both the car and trailer are flashing together—one out of sync means something’s off.

  3. Tail Lights – Turn on your headlights and check the trailer’s tail lights. These should come on along with your car’s lights, keeping you visible in low light or at night.

  4. Fog Lights (if fitted) – If your trailer has fog lights, switch those on to make sure they’re working, too. Not all trailers have them, but it’s handy to check if yours does.


Step 3: Common Troubleshooting

Alright, so what if something’s not working? No worries—here’s a quick checklist to get your lights shining again:

  • Dirty Contacts – Sometimes dirt, rust, or moisture gets into the socket or plug, causing a bad connection. Give them a clean and dry them out before trying again.

  • Blown Fuse – Check your car’s fuse box for any blown fuses. Towing setups can sometimes overload certain circuits, so make sure everything’s rated properly for the trailer you’re towing.

  • Wiring Issues – If the lights still aren’t working, it might be a problem with the trailer’s wiring itself. This could be a loose wire or a damaged connection inside the trailer. If you’re unsure, it’s worth getting a professional to take a look.


Step 4: Get a buddy to Help (or DIY)

The easiest way to test your lights is to get a mate to stand behind the trailer while you run through the checks. No buddies around? No worries! You can also back up near a wall or window to see the reflections of your lights while you test them.


Step 5: Final Road-Ready Check

Before you head off, do one last check of all your lights to make sure they’re working perfectly. A quick test now can save you a world of hassle later on the road!


Wrapping It Up

Properly connecting and checking your trailer lights is as important as hitching the trailer itself. It doesn’t take long, but it’ll give you peace of mind knowing that you’re towing safely and legally. So, next time you’re hooking up your trailer—whether you’ve rented it from Get Brent or bought it—just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be good to go.


As always, if you need any tips or advice, or if you’re looking to buy or rent a quality trailer, I’m here to help. Get in touch, and let’s get you on the road safe and sound!


Cheers,

Brent

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