Question:
I occasionally tow a small cargo trailer on my 95 Road King.
The trailer is an old 89 Time Out Slipstream. The break lights
double as turn signals. My question is regarding lighting on the
trailer. The two break/running/turn signal lights seem to be barely
visible in the day time, as seen on many automotive trailers being
towed by cars. A guy at a trailer service place said it's common for
trailer lights to be barely visible in the sun. ..At night they
are "Adequate" at best. Is there any way
to make them brighter? I tried different light units alltogether
(automotive trailer lights)but they are the same. I also checked the
ground wire that goes to the trailer frame. All wiring looks good.
Perhaps a brighter bulb, or a light kit that has reflective backing
inside to reflect the light? Or is there some type of device that
can amplify the power that makes it back there? The battery is almost
new, and holds a 12V charge. The motorcycle lights don't seem to dim
when the trailer is being used.
I question the lighting because I have a friend who towes a camper
trailer on his Road King. His trailer lights seem as bright as any
regular running light on a car or motorcycle... Any ideas?
Answer:
I'd hand a voltmeter on the lamps or at the connector to see if I had
at least 12.7vdc to ground. Speaking of ground; how is the trailer
grounded? If it is via the hitch, I'd recommend a separate wire for
the chassis ground. Assuming all is well in the voltage and ground
areas, you can put aluminum foil inside the reflectors to gain some
small amount of added brilliance. The key is how much voltage you
have to the trailer lamps and is the trailer properly grounded.
Plug your buddies trailer in and see if his lamps on your motorcycle
are the same brilliance.
My trailer lamps are easily seen during the day.
