Acme EZE Tow Dolly Light Problem

[Bogie]

Has anyone had any experience with the lights on the Acme EZE Tow Dolly? I have had mine in my garage since I last used it in June, hooked it up, and the lights don't work.

So, I pulled out the multimeter and all the wires had voltage. Bought testers, tested the RV, tested the ground. Pulled the entire wire harness out to check for breaks, no breaks. Finally something caught my eye.. both taillights were half full of water.

I did go through rain on my last trip, but the way I had to turn the taillights to get them to drain makes it seem strange that they would have filled up with water.

Can I just use standard trailer 6 inch lights or do I need to order from Acme? They look like original equipment parts, but I bought it used.

[SuperD]

If you have a Harbor Freight near you check for LED trailer lights, they have several sizes and styles that may work for you. LEDs will probably outlast your trailer, easy to install. You can get the butt splice connectors and crimp tools at Harbor Freight too.

[JamieGeek]

You could try to call Acme and see what they say. If they want to charge you for new lights then go the Harbor Freight way. Its worth a phone call; the worst thing they can do is say "no".

[Bogie]

Cool, I'll check out harbor freight when I get back. For now I just bought an extra set of magnet lights, Auto Zone only had one trailer light that looked like it fit and we're out for a week of camping. A problem for when I get home

[K0LCB]

That’s an unusual problem. Sounds like a manufacturing error

[Bogie]

Something for sure. I just can't figure out how the water got in there. Oh well, as long as the extra lights I bought can get it home, I'll completely rewire it and put new tail lights on later.

[The Gritz Carlton]

I suggest you look at lights from West Marine or another supplier of trailer lights specifically designed for boat trailers and submersion. On our last trip, watching through the rear camera view, I was pretty amazed at how much water and turbulant spray was coming out the back of the MH...way more than a normal vehicle or PU truck. With the dolly being so close to the back of the MH, the extra spray and turbulence would cause water to go places it normally would not. I don't think another set of "normal" trailer lights would hold up any better than the ones on there.

[Maxjr758]

Acme has a 5 year warranty, don't know how old your EZ-TOW is but you might want to check with them.
If there not covered, Acme says all components of the Ez-Tow can be purchased at any Auto Parts Store.
As was suggested Harbor Freight would be your least expensive option.

[Bogie]

Think I'm going to get some new straps too, after two trips one looks ready to go.

[Bogie]

Harbor Freight here had no lights but I ran over to the local Menards and picked some up, along with a new wiring harness, even though that wasn't necessary. Rewired the whole thing and got the new lights working. A few minor tasks left to do but it should be ready to go for the next trip. I didn't mind depending on just the magnet lights, but it will feel better to have two sets of lights back there, just in case one gets squirrely and I don't notice right away.

[Maxjr758]

Anyone using a tow dolly, and auxiliary lights on the towed vehicle? How do you connect both the dolly lights, and the auxiliary lights on your towed vehicle ? I've looked for a 7 pole round to double 4 pole flat, and it seems there is no such beast.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Max...are both plugs 7 pole or is one of them a flat 4? Splice the second connector into the primary just behind the plug and use liquid tape, heat shrink or something else waterproof. I tow a Jeep on a 16' car trailer and use the magnetic lights on back of the Jeep as well as the regular trailer lights. I wanted something showing a little higher than the trailer lights and the magnetic lights mount in a position above the roof line of a car behind me so they can be seen at a distance, several vehicles back.

[revjeffrey]

Originally Posted by Maxjr758

Anyone using a tow dolly, and auxiliary lights on the towed vehicle? How do you connect both the dolly lights, and the auxiliary lights on your towed vehicle ? I've looked for a 7 pole round to double 4 pole flat, and it seems there is no such beast.

You could purchase a 7 pole round to a 4 flat. Then get a single 4 flat in ... split to a double 4 flat out. That is what I did.

[revjeffrey]

4 prong splitter.

[Maxjr758]

Thanks !
I emailed etrailer they said I could wire two 4 pole flat Out plugs to a 7 pole round adapter, or like you guys said splice in a 4 pole flat to the dolly wiring. I like the splitter that keeps it neat.
revjeffery where did you see/purchase this ?

[revjeffrey]

Originally Posted by Maxjr758

Thanks !
I emailed etrailer they said I could wire two 4 pole flat Out plugs to a 7 pole round adapter, or like you guys said splice in a 4 pole flat to the dolly wiring. I like the splitter that keeps it neat.
revjeffery where did you see/purchase this ?

Amazon. I would send link but ... I'm driving, drinking coffee, reading Thor Forums and am on Amazon...While taking phone calls.

[lazinskm]

Revjeffery no eating?

[The Gritz Carlton]

Or nose pickin'.

[revjeffrey]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Or nose pickin'.

No, but people tell me I drive a lot better when I'm texting. That's why I put the sway bars on. Compensate when I'm driving and replying to all of Thor Forum Messages.

[Maxjr758]

Thanks guys I ordered a splitter, that will give me the ability to plug in auxiliary tail lights.
Now I'm thinking about buying a LED light bar the sticks on just below the lift gate has brake, running, stop, turn lights. With that and auxiliary magnetic tail lights there should be no question I've done my due diligence, if we get rear ended.