Turning on TV lights blows fuse when trailer connected

[shinybean]

Hi,

I have a 1964 Safari. I just had the curbside front marker light and scare light replaced. When I was driving home, I noticed that when I turned on my headlghts, the marker lights would go off. Along with that, the instrument panel lights and tail lights on my truck would go off as well. Turned out it was blowing the 20 amp park light fuse in my truck. (2003 Dodge Dakota). The turn signals and hazard lights still worked on the trailer. I'm assumming the guy screwed something up when he replaced thhe lights, and now there is a short somewhere, but it is a long drive to get back to his shop to have it fixed. Does anyone know how I would check to see what is causing this?

Also, do the new replacement marker lights come with gaskets for the lens? I noticed that there is not a gasket to keep water away from the bulb.

[overlander64]

While it may not be the problem with your rig, when I have had this problem in the past, I have immediately disassembled the Bargman/Pollak connector to find them full of corrosion. It is one of the reasons that I made the switch to the round-pin type connectors when it happened again this Spring.

Kevin

[Ganglin]

You probably need to start with the lights that were replaced and make sure the wires are connected correctly. Use dielectric grease on the wires and crimp connectors - rather than tape or a wire nut if that's what the repair person used.

The marker lights are in sequence so you may have to move on to each of them checking the connections as you go - not a bad idea anyway.

Are you looking for lights that have gaskets between the light and body or are you talking about the lens cover letting water in.

The only place I've found gaskets to the body is marker lights provided by Airstream. You could call them and order replacements - they will have to be sold through the dealer nearest to you.

Water getting in the lens cover can happen - usually new ones are tight enough to prevent that. If the cover is leaking get a tube (not the little tub as the tube is easier to apply for your need) of plumbers silicone grease. Remove the cover and run a small bead around the lens edge and snap it back in place - wipe off the excess. That should stop the minor leaks into the lens as long as your seal to the body is tight.

[SilverRanger]

Had the same thing happen. After I determined it wasn't the tow vehicle, I started to methodically remove and inspect each marker light when I found one bulb in the rear that was burnt out. I replaced it and then tested the lights. They worked, and have been good ever since. Like most of the other markers, there was a little moisture under the lens, but no visible corrosion. While I had the lenses off, I began to replace the rusting factory screws with stainless steel ones. I hope your solution is as simple as mine.

[shinybean]

Thanks for the advice. I will try those things and report my findings.

Ganglin: I was looking at the space between the lens cover and the body of the light fixture. There is just a small ridge, but no rubber gasket. In looking at the new replacement lights on vintage ttrailer supply, they don't appear to come with gaskets either. It jsut seems odd that they wouldn't include them. The plumbers grease is a great idea though. I think that's the way I'll go.