5-wire tail-lights (for temporary mount) not plug-n-play

[achop]

Originally Posted by carringb

PS - On my motorcycle rack I used the brake controller circuit for the red brake lights, so they don't flash with the ambers. Works fine since it's LED. Probably works fine too with incandescent if you turn the controller up all the way.

Right ... because the vehicle sends a weaker (lower voltage?) signal down the brake controller conductor (since it's merely a semaphore, not powering a light, right?) as compared with the conductors powering lights?

I had wondered whether the brake actuator pole would work for the brake lights.

thanks!

[achop]

Originally Posted by FXRQ

You could grab a running light circuit from inside the van and run up to the lic light with it's own plug - disconnect.

I really should do that ... but I guess I'm intimidated by splicing into the actual van's wiring ;-)

Originally Posted by FXRQ

As for the amber/red config, sure you could do that but it might be a confusing signal for the folks behind you, don't wanna confuse the folks behind you.

Yes, and apparently lots of viewpoints on that ;-)

[carringb]

Originally Posted by achop

Right ... because the vehicle sends a weaker (lower voltage?) signal down the brake controller conductor (since it's merely a semaphore, not powering a light, right?) as compared with the conductors powering lights?

I had wondered whether the brake actuator pole would work for the brake lights.

thanks!

Trailer brake circuits are 12-volts, because it powers the brake actuator magnets (Or sometimes a hydraulic actuator), so most of them supply up to 30 amps. So yes, they power lights fine but with incandescent, you have to have the brake controller voltage maxed out.

One thing I've noticed is my controller doesn't say a trailer is connected which it's only the hitch rack, but it still works!

[achop]

Originally Posted by carringb

Trailer brake circuits are 12-volts, because it powers the brake actuator magnets (Or sometimes a hydraulic actuator), so most of them supply up to 30 amps. So yes, they power lights fine but with incandescent, you have to have the brake controller voltage maxed out.

Thanks for clarifiying carringb.

Originally Posted by carringb

One thing I've noticed is my controller doesn't say a trailer is connected which it's only the hitch rack, but it still works!

+1 for powered hitch racks! ;-)