Trailer Hitch Brake Light: The Clues We Give

The trailer hitch brake light is something that needs to be checked before embarking on any trip of any length. It is sometimes the single most important thing between you and a nasty road accident.

Anyone who has ever driven behind a vehicle that has no brake lights knows how essential these signals are in helping motorists to anticipate sudden and unpredictable driving tactics. We do not realize how much we rely on these clues when we drive.

Towing a trailer is taking on even more than the normal responsibility implicit in the act of driving. When towing, you have to be cautious not to make any sudden moves unnecessarily. If road conditions require that you draw to a sudden halt you rely heavily on others to anticipate your actions.

A vehicle with trailer is a longer and less maneuverable combination therefore even more precautions need to be taken. Despite this, it is alarming how many drivers fail to check the electrics on their trailer, somehow trusting that they worked last time so they will do so now.

This is an erroneous assumption, especially considering the fact that the electric connector is a well know 'weak link' in the chain, prone to corrosion and needing constant attention.

If you have installed your own trailer electrics then you will have a good working knowledge of the mechanisms. All it takes is the malfunction of a single trailer hitch brake light, combined with sundry other circumstances like bad visibility, to contribute to a potentially deadly, road accident. Pay attention to other motorists on the road. They will be the first ones to alert you to the fact that your rear lights are not functioning. If this is the case, pull off the road immediately and get help. Do not consider driving to the nearest auto workshop.