Trailer wiring question
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 297
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From:
Trailer wiring question
I finished up my Harbor Freight trailer build last night and was doing the wiring while talking to a friend, and he enlightened me about the magic of diodes. My original plan was to have separate lights for turn signals and brake lights, as my reading has pointed out that the electricity will back-feed through the wiring and not allow the lights to work properly. I currently have a jeep with front brake lights for this very reason, so I know this is true.
Anyways, here's what I have now. The top lights are brake only, but can be easily made into running lights and brake if I choose. Bottom lights are running lights and turn.:
What he said is that a diode only allows electricity to flow in one direction. Logically if I put the diodes in the correct places the lights will work right. Assuming that is correct, I'd like to make all lights work correctly, Stop/Turn/Tail, and add a plug to make the top box more easily removable. I was already looking at the trailer and picturing other stuff that can be done if the box was removed. (beer cooler, parts hauler, maybe my dog wants a ride, etc)
So, umm, where should I put the diodes? I would think one on each light coming out of the brake side, to keep it from back feeding the harness, meaning 4 total. Right?
Here's a few more pictures for the heck of it. Wires are hanging loose in these, it was getting dark and I wanted to snap a few pics before it was too late:
Anyways, here's what I have now. The top lights are brake only, but can be easily made into running lights and brake if I choose. Bottom lights are running lights and turn.:
What he said is that a diode only allows electricity to flow in one direction. Logically if I put the diodes in the correct places the lights will work right. Assuming that is correct, I'd like to make all lights work correctly, Stop/Turn/Tail, and add a plug to make the top box more easily removable. I was already looking at the trailer and picturing other stuff that can be done if the box was removed. (beer cooler, parts hauler, maybe my dog wants a ride, etc)
So, umm, where should I put the diodes? I would think one on each light coming out of the brake side, to keep it from back feeding the harness, meaning 4 total. Right?
Here's a few more pictures for the heck of it. Wires are hanging loose in these, it was getting dark and I wanted to snap a few pics before it was too late:
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: USA
Easiest way is to get a converter that adds brake light function to your turn signals. I used the one from Biketronics
http://www.biketronics.com/products/...ilStopper.html
http://www.biketronics.com/products/...ilStopper.html
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 297
Likes: 25
From:
Easiest way is to get a converter that adds brake light function to your turn signals. I used the one from Biketronics
http://www.biketronics.com/products/...ilStopper.html
http://www.biketronics.com/products/...ilStopper.html
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: USA
You are right, saving money is always good! I found it on Amazon for $42 at the time, plus I have the trailer wiring tied directly into the Biketronics module. That way if I have any problems I can unplug it and be back to stock in a few minutes.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 6
From: SC
This is simplest way to wire your bike to your trailer >> http://www.ridetimetechnology.com/qc...er_adapter.htm
In line Diode wont be needed since your trailer lights are LED ( Light Emitting Diodes ) from what I see in your pictures
As long as your turn signal bulbs on the MC are incandescent you wont need a turn signal module. If your MC has LED turn signals then you should have already had one installed
In line Diode wont be needed since your trailer lights are LED ( Light Emitting Diodes ) from what I see in your pictures
As long as your turn signal bulbs on the MC are incandescent you wont need a turn signal module. If your MC has LED turn signals then you should have already had one installed
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Joules,
Your in the right direction using diodes. Diodes will protect the delicate electronics on the bike. Should a short occur it will protect the bike and is absolutely necessary.
If your competent in electronics you can do it yourself. I would strongly suggest you buy one on such as on ebay. Most auto parts stores carry them. I have the Hopkins #48895. It will make your installation very easy, looking professional and completely protect your bike.
It's a straight plug-in-play install except for the wires to the trailer connector. Everything is clearly labeled and should take about an hour.
Spend a few bucks cause it's worth it.
My 2 cents.
Your in the right direction using diodes. Diodes will protect the delicate electronics on the bike. Should a short occur it will protect the bike and is absolutely necessary.
If your competent in electronics you can do it yourself. I would strongly suggest you buy one on such as on ebay. Most auto parts stores carry them. I have the Hopkins #48895. It will make your installation very easy, looking professional and completely protect your bike.
It's a straight plug-in-play install except for the wires to the trailer connector. Everything is clearly labeled and should take about an hour.
Spend a few bucks cause it's worth it.
My 2 cents.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 388
Likes: 36
From: USA
[quote=FLTR2008TRIKE;11526625]This is simplest way to wire your bike to your trailer >> http://www.ridetimetechnology.com/qc...er_adapter.htm
Will that work on a 4 wire trailer? Just combine the run and brake outputs? Should I add diodes if I use this adapter?
Will that work on a 4 wire trailer? Just combine the run and brake outputs? Should I add diodes if I use this adapter?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,180
Likes: 12,755
From: South Carolina
A diode will do nothing to prevent damage in the event of a short.
The easiest way to isolate the delicate electronics of the vehicle from the trailer lights is to use a trailer light module.
http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.co...lid_state.html
This unit is powered by the vehicles battery.
The individual light circuits do not power the trailer lights, they just provide a signal to the module, the module sends power from the battery to the lights.
It does not matter if you have regular bulbs or LED
This unit is weather proof (I just installed one on on my car).
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jan 5, 2014 at 06:36 AM.
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