Adding a Trailer

[MrMMSr]

I have a problem when I hook my trailer up to my '82 GL1100 Interstate.
The blinkers blink really fast like having a blown bulb and tail lights on the trailer and bike are somewhat dim.
What can I do to get them brighter and not blinking fast?

[DenverWinger]

See my post viewtopic.php?f=22&t=38868#p265862 Are you using a 5-4 converter? They can make the lights dim. Turn signals blink fast on my 1100, too, to remedy I simply unplug the rear blinkers on the bike when the trailer is connected. Or you can change the flasher unit for one spec'd for three bulbs instead of two. But that flasher may not blink if the trailer is not connected. Or there are also flashers that blink at same rate regardless the number of bulbs but you lose the ability to know a bulb is out because not flashing.

One more option is LED bulbs on the trailer. They use very little current, and your existing flasher should continue to blink at normal rate. You might get extra brightness from the LED on the trailer, too!

[AZgl1800]

good advice,

the extra light load makes the OEM flasher go too fast.

best to use LED lights on trailers.

[MrMMSr]

Hi, no I'm not using the 5 to 4 connector.
And I don't have any LED lights.
I am just wiring in separate turn signals on the trailer.i read in 1 of the threads where the guy disconnected the rear bike turn signals when he had the trailer connected.
I'm going to try the flasher first.
If I can't make that work, I may try the disconnect method.

See my post viewtopic.php?f=22&t=38868#p265862 Are you using a 5-4 converter? They can make the lights dim. Turn signals blink fast on my 1100, too, to remedy I simply unplug the rear blinkers on the bike when the trailer is connected. Or you can change the flasher unit for one spec'd for three bulbs instead of two. But that flasher may not blink if the trailer is not connected. Or there are also flashers that blink at same rate regardless the number of bulbs but you lose the ability to know a bulb is out because not flashing.

One more option is LED bulbs on the trailer. They use very little current, and your existing flasher should continue to blink at normal rate. You might get extra brightness from the LED on the trailer, too!

[MrMMSr]

Thank you gentlemen.
I appreciate the advice.

good advice,

the extra light load makes the OEM flasher go too fast.

best to use LED lights on trailers.

[Fred Camper]

money ahead by changing out the trailer bulbs (only the bulbs) to LED. That way no additional stator loading either and the stock flasher works.