Clearance lights get dim?

[Chopper]

Quick question: if the clearance lights on the trailer run off the tow vehicle...would adding more clearance light make each one dimmer? Or are they all connected in series?

Thanks a bunch!

Cheers!

[Silverhobby]

Not sure if the lights are connected in series or not. but the number one problem with having dim exterior running lights is usually a poor ground.
Kevin

[steelbird312]

Chopper, Unless you add BUNCHES of these lights, and only if your battery and/or altenater are weak, they will not make them get dim.
They are NOT wired in series (remember us talking about a single ground from front to back to which you could connect all your ground wires?).
The most difficult thing you will run up against is pulling wire through the spaces that are full of the pink panther (INSULATION).
Oh, by the way, you might want to make sure the ground between the trailer and the Tow vehicle has good integrity.

[Chopper]

Ok, thanks, that's one more question out of the way!

Cheers!

[boatdoc]

Here you are again Chopper. Your dimming of the clearance lights stems from bad/weak grounding. In a 12Volt system unless grounding is 100% it will drive you to insanity. it is obvious you are loosing available amperage or have a short which causes excessive draw. Check the available voltage at the line to those lights. "boatdoc"
good luck.

[Chopper]

I've decided to run with the "direct ground" method of running a ground to each of the lights and fixtures then taking all the grounds back to the 7-pin and on to the tow vehicle. Because I'm doing a rebuild that has bunks and beds up on platforms, I can run a conduit on top of the original floor without much problem, then fishtape it up to the fixtures. At least that's the plan.

Cheers!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Chopper

I've decided to run with the "direct ground" method of running a ground to each of the lights and fixtures then taking all the grounds back to the 7-pin and on to the tow vehicle. Because I'm doing a rebuild that has bunks and beds up on platforms, I can run a conduit on top of the original floor without much problem, then fishtape it up to the fixtures. At least that's the plan.

Cheers!

You don't need to run a separate ground for each and every thing, it will addto the electrical complexity of your coach, and double the potential for wiring problems. If you want your lights to ground properly, you can drill out the rivets holding the housings to the body, and re-rivet them, ensuring good contact for years.