Towing & electrics

[Joyous70]

I have an intermittent fault when towing and i don't know where to go, or how to tackle it.

When I am hitched up and towing my trailer, when I indicate there is a beeping sound that notifes me that im hitched up and the indicators on the trailer are also working, however, recently I don't alwasy get the beeping sound, but the indicators are still working, Im not sure if it is an issue with my car electrics, or the trailer, where would you start first?

 

[Annagain]

I'd start (as I would with any trailer electrical issues) with a generous spray of WD40 on both the plug and the socket.

If that doesn't do any good I think it's more likely to be the car. As the indicators are working it suggests the connection to the trailer is good but the car isn't always registering the fact the trailer's plugged in.

 

[ihatework]

Give the connection a good clean/dielectric grease

 

[Widgeon]

Give the connection a good clean/dielectric grease

Yes definitely this. Also, if the trailer indicators ARE working, and you're just missing the beeping noise, I'd also suspect that the problem is with the car.

 

[PeterNatt]

Joyous70! Try your car out on another trailer and see what happens. If you get an audible beap then you will know it is the trailer rather than the car.

A mobile auto electrician should be able to diagnose where the problem is but in most cases it will be the socket, a bad earth the lead or water ingression. in the light/indicator units.

 

[Joyous70]

Joyous70! Try your car out on another trailer and see what happens. If you get an audible beap then you will know it is the trailer rather than the car.

This was going to be my first port of call at the weekend, theres a cattle trailer parked next to mine, i might just reverse up to that and try the electrics on that, see what happens, however, cleaning both sockets isn't a bad idea either.