I searched this forum more than once for the best method to pull civilian trailers with 12 volt lights. Never came up with ideas other than dead-end links, LED bulbs, 24volt relays and voltage convertors. This is what I did to get 12 volts to my trailers. If this setup has been thought of and posted on here before, I apologize to the individual in advance. I have six trailers that will be pulled with my M818 from the fifth wheel. None of them are military trailers. I dont think anyone should utilize this just because I did, I am just showing a simple and inexpensive alternative that works. I used the original trailer slave cable as a sacrificial cable to supply the current the resistor board. A replacement can be easily plugged in if the need to pull a military trailer exists.
This is the resistor used, available at O'reilly's001.jpg
Ammo can upside down to keep rain out keep air flow009.jpg
Almost looks like part of the truck painted!022.jpg
Three circuits plus ground are all that are needed for most trailers. Left turn, Right turn and marker/tail lights. Brake lights and turn signals are the same circuits.
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Last edited by jd-ford-hd; 03-12-2009 at 01:49.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to jd-ford-hd For This Useful Post:
i like the idea of using the resistors i used relays for my 24 to 12volt trailer set up .how much were the resistors.with the resistor set up you could make it into a cable that plugs right in no need to modify the truck or trailer wiring you could make em with the ammo can with a magnetic mount so it could be attached to the truck or trailer just make the cables long enough to reach either way.i bet there would be a line of guys wanting to buy them.nice job
Coulda just swapped the bulbs and built a plug adapter.
I own six trailers that are pulled by two Mack trucks most of the time and the M818 occaisionally. Swapping bulbs are for people with one truck and one trailer combos. LED's are too expensive and are a favorite target of thieves.
__________________
"IF IT AIN'T GOT A MOTOR, I AIN'T INTERESTED"
i like the idea of using the resistors i used relays for my 24 to 12volt trailer set up .how much were the resistors.with the resistor set up you could make it into a cable that plugs right in no need to modify the truck or trailer wiring you could make em with the ammo can with a magnetic mount so it could be attached to the truck or trailer just make the cables long enough to reach either way.i bet there would be a line of guys wanting to buy them.nice job
Thanks for the compliment. The resistors were $4.50 each and are permanent!!
__________________
"IF IT AIN'T GOT A MOTOR, I AIN'T INTERESTED"
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ya switching bulbs is ok if you only have one trailer you're gonna pull .and if you're only gonna be pulling it with your deuce.but what about when you're gonna use a friends trailer or his truck to pull your trailer you would spend more time switching bulbs that towing .
M818 24volt to 12volt trailer lights
you could make em with the ammo can with a magnetic mount so it could be attached to the truck or trailer just make the cables long enough to reach either way.i bet there would be a line of guys wanting to buy them.nice job
