Lighting Maintenance
For information purposes only – please refer to manufacturers guidelines for your specific unit.
The lighting system for your trailer is a heavy duty, 12-volt, 30-amp system. The 7-way receptacle is located on the front of the trailer near the gladhands. The jumper cable from the truck tractor plugs into the trailer’s 7-way receptacle to complete the electrical circuit to the trailer. The receptacle is equipped with a hinge type cover to protect it from exposure to dirt and water. The same light switches that control the lights on the truck tractor control trailer lights.
Proper maintenance of the lighting system requires periodic cleaning of lamps and reflectors to assure maximum visibility of the tractor and trailer. Use a damp cloth to wipe the lenses. A dry cloth will cause the dirt to act as an abrasive and scratch the lenses. A daily cleaning can well be worth the time invested, plus, it is a good safety practice. Maintenance of the lighting and wiring system consists of an occasional inspection to see that all wiring connections are tight. Make sure the lighting units are securely mounted, and that the wiring is not pinched or damaged. Inspect lights, couplings, and sockets for their service- ability and replace as required.
NOTE: All trailers manufactured after March 1, 1997 are wired to provide constant power to the trailer’s antilock brake system (ABS) from the CENTER PIN of the main 7- way connecter at the front of the trailer.
TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM
The turn signal lever and hazard flasher switch are located in the truck tractor. To operate the turn signals, the ignition switch must be in the ON position. The hazard flasher system is operated independently of the ignition switch in most cases. All turn signal lights can be made to flash simultaneously by pulling out the activating knob on the hazard flasher switch.
Two flasher units are used for the trailer. One unit is used in the turn signal circuit, and the other for the hazard flasher system located in the truck tractor. The most common problems with the turn signals and hazard flasher system are defective flashers, burned-out bulbs, blown fuses, defective switches, or faulty wiring.
REFLECTORS
Reflectors are located on the front, sides, and rear sections of the trailer. They should be kept clean by wiping with a damp cloth. Replace any reflectors that are cracked or broken.
Trailers are fitted with an even distribution of red and white reflective tape covering 50% of each side of the trailer In the rear, units are have two strips must be used in the lower rear and an inverted L using solid white must mark the top corners of the trailer.
This tape should be kept clean by wiping with a damp cloth. Replace any missing sections of tape.
STOP, TAIL, TURN, MARKER & IDENTIFICATION LIGHTS
To remove lens and bulb with grommet mount installation, insert a screw- driver under the lens flange and pry lens out of the soft housing. To remove lens with flange mount installation, remove screws or rivets. Disconnect from plug and wire assembly. To replace lens and bulb with grommet mount installation, reconnect the plug and wire assembly, tilt the lens slightly, and push lens into soft housing. To replace the lens and bulb with flange mount installation, reconnect the plug and wire assembly, and align mounting holes in re-insert screws.
LICENSE LAMP
To remove license bulb from the license lamp, remove the mounting screws and remove license lamp cover. Follow same instructions as for the clearance, marker, and identification lamps above. Re-install cover using the mounting screws.