2001 explorer lights fiasco!

[ambershnd]

OK I've been having problems with my trailer harness & lights that have been driving me crazy. Now I towed my trailer to a store & it was all good; was all ready to leave when I realized that not only were my trailer lights not working but my trucks guidelights & even my dash lights wont work! Where should I look to fix this?

 

[my pos mounty]

First would be disconnect the trailer and check all the wiring on it.
Next would be the wiring at the back of your truck, also looking for broken wires that could be shorting to ground. Follow the harness all the way up to the "little black box" controller. (if i recall correctly that box is behind one of the taillights) If everything checks out, check the fuses, replace whatever ones you find burnt out, and reconnect the trailer. If the fuses blow as soon as you plug in the trailer (AND you were thorough with your trailer wiring inspection), you may need to replace the harness as that "little black box" controller could have gone bad.

 

[gijoecam]

What are you using to tap into the truck's lights for the trailer lights? The OEM trailer lighting circuits, or some other method?