My fiver has 3 side marker lights on each side. One at each end and one in the middle. I'd like to make the one in the middle (an amber one) a turn signal as well as remain a running light.
My rig has rear a single bulb running/brake/turn signal lights assemblies for each side. I know I could tap the wires back there on each side. However, if I am thinking right, that would affect the light when braking, as well???
Has anyone turned their side marker lights into running/turn signals? If so, How bout some info. Thanks. PCM

 

First hurdle is the marker light will only have a single element in the bulb and only one power wire going to it. You would need a dual element bulb fixture, one for the running lites and one for the turn/brake lites (you can't just replace the bulb as the pins are offset for a dual element bulb,) and also need to run another wire from each side turn/brake to it. Second hurdle would be the turn/brake lites would both lite up when the brakes are depressed, I don't really see that as a problem as they are not "flashing" and would lite up on both sides of the trailer.

I know that there are converters available to convert vehicles that have separate turn signals to use a trailer that has combined lites. It maybe that there are units that would do what you want but I don't know of any.

 

This may sound strange, but try it and and you will see.
Use one wire for the marker light function. Use the ground wire as a "hot" for the turn signal. If there is no ground wire use the metal on the back side of the fixture that grounds the light via the mounting screws. You may have to figure out how to re-mount the light so the screws don't ground to the trailer.

You won't get the brighter effect of a true turn signal, but it will blink.

 

Wht happens when the brakes are applied??? The power wire for the brake, turn signal, running is a single wire for each side. Will the light illuminate when the brakes are applied? pcm

 

Actually it will work great. It will flash just like a side marker on a car. That is how they are wired . . .one wire to tail lamp wire, one to turn signal wire.
Tail amp on. . it'll alternate with signal light.
Tail lamp off . .it'll flash in sync with signal.

 

my 40ft trailers have them it is a dual element light that blinks and lights up when brakes are applied and also serves as a marker light

 

I've never thought of doing that before. It sounds like a great idea though. If you get an answer and try it that works let us know. I may have to try it myself.

 

Well, trough my research and from data collected on other sites, I have decided to add Peterson #343 combination turn signal/side marker lights - 1 on each side. It ill be easier to add these lights rather than try to convert the eisting side markers to blinkers. These lights can be ordered on ebay for $21 including shipping. Thanks for the input. pcm

 

All of our gooseneck trailers have a turn indicator light halfway back. Yes, it does come on when you hit your brakes, but that is not a bad thing. It helps to keep the drivers beside you aware of their surroundings.

 

First....bless you for even USING your signal lights !

Second, the more signal (and brake) lights, and brighter (LED) the better.
I have extra signal lights on the steps of my FL70, and have changed out my trailer lights to plug-in LED's. On the headache rack of my Dodge 3500's toter bed, I have brake lights which I also switched out to LED's.

On the rear of my 12' tag-along trailer, I bought an LED strip light, which is running lights, brake lights and signal combo. Really helps overcome the dim (normal) cheap trailer lights.

We all see the big rigs with extra lights (and I mean we really SEE them), and running LED lighting. So kudos to you for adding more lighting, and I agree it would be an easier job.

 

The side marker/turn signal lights are very benefical to all drivers on the road, particularly in bumper-to-bumper traffic. When sitting in several lanes of slow moving traffic, drivers beside a long trailer have no idea of the intention of your needing to change lanes as they are unable to see the rear of the truck of trailer.
Granted, a turn signal flashing doesn't mean that someone will let you over in front of them, however, at least it signals to them your intent and increases your chances.
Just last week I added a small led side marker/turn signal light to the inside front of the wheel well on my Ram. Similar to the way Porsche does it. I really wanted to put the lights on the mirror but couldn't imagine all that is involved in trying to get the wires run through the doors and mirrors. So I said screw it! PCM

 

I swapped-out my fivers mid side marker lights for a dual filiment amber side marker/signal light. Works great and looks good, too. It was easy to do. I did have to run 1 new wire for each fixture for the turn signal element of the new side marker. PCM