If your caravan or trailer lights are flashing, flickering, or not working correctly, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues faced by UK drivers when towing – especially with modern vehicles and LED lighting.

Whether you’re towing a caravan for leisure, running a business with trailers, or managing a fleet, faulty lighting is more than just annoying – it can be dangerous and illegal.

In this guide, we’ll explain why caravan lights flash, how to fix the issue quickly using a 68007 fault eliminator, and what you need to know about UK towing laws and safety.

Why Are My Caravan or Trailer Lights Flashing?

The most common cause of flashing or erratic trailer lights is a mismatch between your vehicle’s electrical system and LED trailer lights.

Modern Vehicles vs LED Trailers

Most modern cars (especially from 2010 onwards) use CANBUS electrical systems to monitor bulbs. These systems expect a certain electrical load – typically from traditional filament bulbs.

However, LED lights use far less power, which can confuse the vehicle into thinking there’s a fault.

This results in:

  • Flashing indicators or lights
  • Dashboard warning messages
  • Lights not working correctly
  • Intermittent or inconsistent lighting behaviour

This is particularly common with:

  • Caravans upgraded to LED lighting
  • New trailers fitted with LED rear lights
  • Vehicles with sensitive towing electrics (e.g. VW, Audi, BMW, Ford, Mazda)

The Quick Fix – Using a 68007 Fault Eliminator

The fastest and most effective solution is to use a 68007 LED fault eliminator.

This device is designed to:

  • Simulate the electrical load of traditional bulbs
  • Prevent false error signals from the vehicle
  • Stabilise the lighting system
  • Ensure all trailer lights function correctly

You can view the product here:

LED Fault Eliminator 68007 – Fix Trailer Light Issues

How It Works

The 68007 sits between your vehicle and trailer electrics. It effectively “tricks” the car into recognising the LED lights as standard bulbs, restoring normal operation.

Installation

Installation is straightforward:

  • Plug the fault eliminator into your towing socket
  • Connect your trailer or caravan to the eliminator
  • Test all lights

No rewiring is required, making it a quick, plug-and-play solution.

Step-by-Step: Diagnosing the Problem

Before installing a fault eliminator, it’s worth confirming the issue.

1. Check the Basics

  • Inspect trailer plugs and sockets for corrosion
  • Check all connections are secure
  • Ensure bulbs or LEDs are working

2. Test with Another Vehicle

If the problem disappears, your vehicle is likely the cause.

3. Look for Dashboard Warnings

Modern vehicles often display bulb failure warnings when LED lights are fitted.

4. Install a Fault Eliminator

If symptoms persist, a 68007 unit is the most reliable fix.

Common Mistakes People Make

Many drivers try to fix flashing lights the wrong way. Here are the most common mistakes:

  • Replacing LED lights unnecessarily – the issue is usually the vehicle, not the trailer
  • Ignoring the problem – this can lead to unsafe towing
  • Using cheap wiring fixes – these often cause more issues
  • Assuming all trailers are compatible – LED systems vary significantly

The correct approach is to identify the electrical mismatch and fix it properly.

UK Legal Requirements for Trailer Lighting

In the UK, trailer lighting is governed by strict regulations. Your lights must:

  • Work correctly at all times
  • Be clearly visible
  • Match the required functions (indicator, brake, tail, fog where applicable)

Failure to comply can result in fines or penalty points.

Relevant guidance can be found on GOV.UK:

If your lights are flashing or malfunctioning, your vehicle may be considered not roadworthy.

Safety Considerations When Towing

Proper lighting is essential for safe towing. Faulty lights increase the risk of:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Miscommunication with other drivers
  • Night-time visibility issues
  • Accidents during braking or turning

Before every journey, you should:

  • Check all lights are working
  • Inspect connections
  • Confirm indicators and brake lights are functioning correctly

Using a reliable solution like a fault eliminator helps ensure consistent, safe performance.

Why Professional Training Matters

Lighting issues are just one of many challenges drivers face when towing. Many problems come down to a lack of understanding of:

  • Vehicle compatibility
  • Trailer setup
  • Weight distribution
  • Legal requirements

At Towing Solutions, we provide professional towing and trailer training to help drivers:

  • Stay safe on the road
  • Understand their equipment
  • Comply with UK regulations
  • Reduce the risk of costly mistakes

Whether you’re towing for business or leisure, proper training gives you confidence and control.

Conclusion

Flashing caravan or trailer lights are usually caused by a simple electrical mismatch between modern vehicles and LED systems.

The good news is that the fix is straightforward:

  • Identify the issue
  • Use a 68007 fault eliminator
  • Ensure your setup is compliant and safe

Don’t ignore the problem – fixing it properly improves safety, legality, and peace of mind.

If you’re upgrading or replacing your trailer lighting, it’s important to choose components that match your setup and intended use.

The Indespension 26024 LED rear trailer light (offside/right) is a heavy-duty 6-function combination lamp widely used on plant trailers, beavertails and commercial builds, offering stop, tail, indicator and reverse functions in a durable IP67-rated housing.

For setups requiring separate plate illumination, the
Lucidity 26800 LED number plate light provides a compact, reliable solution designed for harsh trailer environments.

If you’re experiencing flashing lights or dashboard warnings when using LED systems, the
68007 LED fault eliminator helps stabilise the electrical load and ensures correct operation with modern vehicle towing systems, preventing common CANBUS-related issues.