Question re: trailer hitch electrical wiring

[Rogue_77]

I'm having some issues with the electrical wiring to my trailer hitch and am looking for some possible reasons why it's faulting out on me.

I've had to replace the small electrical box where all the wiring to the hitch is twice now because out of the blue it would short my right turn signal on and if I don't do anything to it, it'll pop the fuse to my dashboard. The first time it happened, the box totally melted to a slab of black plastic. The replacement started acting up already (<6months) and I think I caught it in time by disconnecting the right turn signal to it.

All the parts are proper Reese kits, no mangling on any of the wires. The only far fetched reason I can think of was some moisture from any puddles/rain somehow got inside the box and shorted the power and the right turn signal wires. Granted the box is pretty much sealed tight so I'm not sure if that was even possible.

What I'm wondering is what is causing these shorts? Is there any way I can prevent it from happening again?

[DragonZealot]

There is probably a intermittent short somewhere in your trailer. I suggest you inspect the wiring and look for exposed copper that may be rubbing against the frame.

You could install small inline fuses (like 3 amps) on each circuit and whichever fuse blow you are sure about the short on that circuit.

[blackjimmy4x4]

Depending on which plug/receptacle combo you are using (mine is 7 pin round) ...one thing I always do is silicone around the opening where the wire goes into the plug and receptacle. That prevents moisture from getting into the ends of the wires and the plug unit.