Q:
What is a converter?
A:
Two types of taillight designs are found on vehicles: an independent bulb
system and a common bulb system. If the brake light and turn signal operate
from the same bulb, the taillight design is common. If the brake light and turn
signal work from separate bulbs, the design is independent. The industry
standard found on trailers is a common bulb system. Vehicles will vary
depending on the make and model. Any vehicle that has an independent bulb
system must have a converter to “convert” the independent system to a common
system, which is required on a trailer. A converter enables vehicles with
independent brake lights and turn signals to provide proper lighting to the trailer.
Q:
Why do I need a power converter?
A:
Electronics on many newer vehicles are not equipped to handle the extra amp
load that trailer lights require. A power converter provides power directly
from the battery, bypassing the electronics. This guarantees protection for
sensitive electronics found on these vehicles.
Q:
What is the reason for the battery lead wire on the
power converter?
A:
This wire provides the power to the trailer lights. Green = right turn, yellow
= left turn, red = brake, and brown = taillights. These are going to the power
converter and are only used as a signal. Once a function is used on the
vehicle, the converter provides the actual power for the trailer lights from
the battery. This allows us to bypass all the vehicle electronics to provide
guaranteed safety.
Q:
I am blowing fuses on my vehicle....
A:
The first thing to check with LiteMate is that you are using both part 1 and
part 2 of the system. Both are included in the package and are crucial for
correct operation. The back up light fuse will burn out if part 2 is not used.
If part 2 is being used the fuse burn out is a direct result of a live wire
shorting to ground or an overload of too many lights on the trailer. Check all
wires for bare copper or places where a wire could be pinched and calculate the
amp load your trailer is pulling. Most vehicles are equipped to handle only
standard lighting on trailers; one turn/brake signal on each side and one
marker light on each front corner. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for
specific ratings.
Q:
Should I unplug my boat trailer when I back my boat
into the water?
A:
Yes, you should always unplug your boat trailer when backing into the water.
When the trailer lights are submersed in water it can create a short causing
vehicle fuses to blow and/or result in damage to your LiteMate connector and
vehicle.
Q:
When I have my headlights on and apply the brakes all
my lights on my trailer go out. What causes this?
A:
You have a ground problem. In your situation, you have a ground that is strong
enough to provide some lighting functions but not all. This is called a weak
ground. When the taillights and brake lights are used at the same time it
creates the maximum amp load of lights on the trailer. If a ground problem exists
it will show at this point. The places to check grounds are as follows:
1.
The connector on the vehicle should have a ground wire secured tightly on a
clean surface to the frame. A wire attached to the body or a surface with
undercoating or rust can cause a ground problem.
2.
The connector on the trailer should have a wire from the connector secured
tightly to a clean surface on the trailer.
3.
Each tail lamp assembly at the back of the trailer also must be ground. This is
done in one of two ways. The first is by a separate wire coming from the back
of each tail lamp assembly and being secured to the frame. The second, and most
popular, ground is achieved through the bolts of the tail lamp assembly. In
this case, the lamp housing must be attached to the frame of the trailer. If
the lights are mounted on wood or PVC material, the lights will not receive
ground.
4. The last possibility to explore is in the
trailer design. If the trailer has a tilting bed, it is possible the ground is
not passing through the pivot point resulting in a poor ground. The solution to
this is to route a ground wire from the connector at the front of the trailer
to each lamp assembly at the back of the trailer bypassing this pivot point.
NOTE: The trailer hitched to the ball of the vehicle should never
be considered sufficient ground.
Q:
When I use one turn signal the other one blinks....
A:
This is usually related to one of two things. The first could be a short
somewhere in the system. All wiring and the vehicle connector should be checked
and tested. The second, which is the most common cause, is a weak ground in the
system. Refer to the above question and follow steps 1 through 4.
Q:
When my trailer is connected to my vehicle the turn
signals are dim and flashing rapidly. What causes this?
A:
When you add trailer lights to a vehicle system, the turn signal amp load
basically doubles. Most vehicles have a flasher that controls the blink of a
turn signal. The standard flasher provided in many vehicles will not handle this
extra load. You should replace your flasher with a heavy duty flasher (8 to 10
amp) and make sure the vehicle engine is running. The flasher will slow down
your turn signals and a running engine will increase the brightness of the
lamps.
Q: Will the converter work in reverse for vehicle-to-vehicle towing?
A: No, all LiteMate converters were designed to only work one way, to
prevent back-feed. For vehicle-to-vehicle towing, part number 38955 is
suggested. This kit includes diodes and the wiring needed for this application.
Q: Will LiteMate converters work on a 24 Volt system?
A: Yes, LiteMate converters will work for any application on 9 to 24
Volt systems.