When it comes time for your big fall trip, you need to make sure your trailer wiring is working perfectly. Whether you’re towing a boat, a trailer full of camping gear, or something else entirely, non-functioning lights don’t only increase chances of an accident—they’re illegal to drive with.

According to the trailer repair experts at Haskins Hitchin Post in Cincinnati, OH, these are the top three steps you should take if you discover faulty wiring during your pre-trip test:

• Check Connections: Faulty connections on either the car or the trailer sides are a common issue. Make sure that everything is plugged in all the way and that grime, corrosion, and rust aren’t interfering with any of the connections on either the car or the trailer side. Also, inspect the vehicle battery for grime and rust, and check that the harness is installed properly.
• Inspect Wires: Check the trailer wiring from end to end for wear or breakage. If wires are destroyed, it’s time to replace all your old trailer parts and start fresh. If there’s just some stripping or other minor damage, wrapping the affected areas in electrical tape should do the trick as a temporary fix.
• Check For Overload: Use a pronged circuit tester from the hardware store, figure out if you’re trying to draw too much power from the car. LED lights draw far less power than conventional types, so investing in these is recommended. Also check all the fuses, which will need to be replaced if they’re blown.

Don’t let your trailer wiring fail during your big trip! Cincinnati, OH, area customers trust the nearly 80 years of experience at Haskins Hitching Post for their trailer wiring needs. In addition to trailer repair, their cargo carriers and bike racks can hold more of what you need for your fall trip. Call them at (513) 542-1733 to find out more about their inventory, or visit them online for details on their trailer repair services.