Why Isn’t My Boat Trailer’s Right Turn Signal Working?

A right turn signal that won’t light up is one of the most common trailer light problems. On boat trailers, where wiring and lights are frequently exposed to water and road debris, there are a few likely causes to check:

1. Inspect the Green Wire
   The green wire carries power to the right turn signal and brake light. Trace it from the main trailer plug back to the tail light. Look for pinched sections inside the frame, cuts from sharp edges, or areas rubbed bare. Even a small break in the insulation can interrupt the signal.
2. Check the White Ground Wire
   Behind the right tail light, confirm the white ground wire is firmly attached to clean, bare metal on the trailer frame or light bracket. Rust, paint, or aluminum-to-steel contact can all cause a weak ground, which often shows up as a single light not working properly.
3. Examine the Bulbs (for incandescent lights)
   If your boat trailer is equipped with incandescent lights such as CEC 1157 or C193 bulbs, make sure both filaments are intact. A burned-out bulb is an easy fix.
4. Look for Corrosion in the Fixture
   Boat trailers are especially prone to corrosion from repeated water submersion. Excessive corrosion in the socket or light housing can block power flow. If cleaning doesn’t restore function, the fixture should be replaced.
5. LED Tail Lights
   Most modern boat trailers use sealed LED units. If an LED turn signal fails, the light assembly is not serviceable—replacement of the full unit is necessary. Venture Trailers uses sealed, submersible LED lights designed to withstand marine environments, but like all electrical components, they can eventually fail.

Tip for Venture Trailers:

Our trailers use marine-grade plug-and-play harnesses with .180 bullet connectors that resist moisture intrusion. If your right turn signal isn’t working, check these connectors first—re-seating or replacing a single plug is often all it takes to solve the issue.