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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

I Hate Trailer Maintenance

7/27/2018

 
Don't get me wrong; I love having a trailer, especially one that allows me to sleep on the show grounds rather than footing a hotel bill. With so many bells and whistles though come problems.

Since last summer, I've been battling an intermittent trailer light issue. Last summer I was able to sand off the metal bits of the plug and receptacle which seemed to remove the corrosion allowing the lights to work.

On Saturday morning, my brake lights and running lights worked great. When I loaded up on Sunday morning, none of the running lights worked, but I did have brake lights and blinkers. I went to the show anyway as running lights only come on when the headlights are on.
Picture
This is the plug receptacle causing all the trouble!
On Wednesday morning, I decided that I had better figure out what was wrong as I'm leaving for a two-day show this morning. The last time the lights went wonky, I simply rubbed sandpaper all over the metal bits of the plug which got things working again.

After an hour of sandpapering and climbing in and out of the truck bed to check the lights, I had only made the problem worse! None of the trailer lights were working, not even the brake lights. I'll admit to using a few choice words, most of which began with the letter "F."
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A temporary solution
Fortunately, Blue Truck has a second plug receptacle beneath the bumper for bumper pull trailers. When I plugged into that receptacle, the lights lit up as usual. That told me that something was wrong with the bed receptacle. I pulled out my truck's manual (as if that were going to help), and turned to the page dealing with the fuses. After tugging on a few and getting nowhere, I decided to get some help.

The ranch owners are quite handy with vehicle issues, so I hunted them down and asked for some advice. It was agreed upon by all (why I contributed to the conversation I don't know as I clearly couldn't fix it) that I should take the truck and trailer in to have it repaired professionally.
Picture
It's true what they say about duct tape and bailing twine. Now we can add bungee cords and electrical tape. They fix anything!
In the meantime, a bungee cord and some electrical tape are going to get me to the show and back. I made an appointment to have the wiring, and a few other things, checked out next week. Nothing like added stress as I head to a show!
Sarah link
7/27/2018 07:31:14 am

I feel you...my truck needs an oil change, new fuse (trailer brake issues...I have exterior light but no interiors), new connection thing for my blinker and (the straw that is breaking my back...) a new emergency brake cable bc I broke that somehow. lol I also need trailer tires...the struggle...

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/8/2018 06:17:16 am

The price we pay for freedom ... just wish freedom cost less. :0)

Olivia link
7/27/2018 11:54:09 am

I feel you. If I have to take my trailer to the shop one more time, I'm just gonna burn it to the ground... or sell it, which might be more logical though less satisfying.

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/8/2018 06:18:13 am

It is frustrating to have trailer problems, frustrating and usually expensive. And then there's the truck ...

emma link
7/27/2018 12:28:01 pm

my trailer plug occasionally has trouble keeping a secure connection to my truck, and i've had good luck with dielectric grease from amazon. i guess it helps improve connectivity? the reviews were all over the road, but the grease was like $11 so it was worth a shot, and so far has been immensely helpful for my own set of issues and i'm happy to have a tube on hand. good luck!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/8/2018 06:19:50 am

Ooh, good tip! I did take it in to the shop, and it was a bad connection. Some wires had worked themselves loose. In that situation, adding a grease or cleaning agent wouldn't have helped. :0)


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    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home