LED trailer lights are one of the best upgrades you can make to a trailer, caravan, horsebox or commercial unit. They’re brighter, more durable, energy-efficient and far longer lasting than traditional filament bulbs.

But there’s one issue we regularly get asked about at Trailer Solutions:

“Why are my LED trailer lights blinking or flashing when they shouldn’t?”

If you’ve recently upgraded to LED trailer lights and are experiencing rapid flashing indicators, flickering tail lights, dashboard bulb warnings or irregular blinking, don’t worry — you’re not alone. The good news? It’s usually an easy fix.

In this guide, we’ll explain why LED trailer lights blink, what causes it, and how the 68007 LED Fault Eliminator Control Unit solves the problem quickly and professionally.

Why Do LED Trailer Lights Blink or Flash?

The most common cause of blinking LED trailer lights is low electrical load. Modern vehicles — especially vans, 4x4s, EVs and hybrids — are fitted with bulb monitoring systems. These systems are designed to detect when a traditional filament bulb fails.

Here’s the issue:

  • Traditional bulbs draw a higher electrical load.
  • LED lights draw significantly less power.
  • The vehicle thinks a bulb has failed because it sees “low resistance”.

When this happens, the vehicle may:

  • Cause rapid indicator flashing (hyper flashing)
  • Display bulb failure warnings on the dashboard
  • Trigger intermittent blinking
  • Deactivate certain trailer light functions

This is particularly common when upgrading older trailers to LED lighting or when connecting LED-equipped trailers to newer vehicles with CANbus systems.

Common Scenarios We See

1. Fast Flashing Indicators

Your indicators flash much faster than normal once the trailer is connected.

2. Dashboard Warning Messages

You see “Trailer Indicator Fault” or “Bulb Failure” warnings, even though all lights are working.

3. Flickering Tail or Brake Lights

The lights appear to pulse or blink faintly.

4. Issues With 13-Pin Connections

Even though a 13-pin system includes dedicated circuits, modern vehicles still monitor resistance levels.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re dealing with a load mismatch — not a wiring fault.

Why This Happens More With Modern Vehicles

Newer vehicles use intelligent electrical systems. These systems constantly monitor lighting circuits to ensure safety and compliance.

When LED trailer lights are connected:

  • The current draw is too low.
  • The vehicle assumes a failed bulb.
  • The system compensates by altering flash speed or triggering warnings.

This is extremely common with:

  • Modern vans
  • Pickup trucks
  • EVs and hybrid vehicles
  • Vehicles with factory-fitted towbar electrics

The LED lights are not faulty — they’re simply too efficient.

The Professional Solution: 68007 LED Fault Eliminator

The easiest and most reliable fix is installing the 68007 LED Fault Eliminator Control Unit.

Available here:
LED Fault Eliminator – 68007 Control Unit

What Does It Do?

The 68007 control unit balances the electrical load between the vehicle and trailer. It effectively simulates the resistance of traditional filament bulbs, preventing:

  • Hyper flashing indicators
  • Dashboard bulb warnings
  • Flickering lights
  • CANbus errors

It ensures your LED trailer lighting works exactly as it should — safely and legally.

Benefits of Using the 68007 Control Unit

  • ✔ Plug-and-play solution
  • ✔ Compatible with modern CANbus systems
  • ✔ Prevents rapid flashing indicators
  • ✔ Eliminates bulb failure dashboard warnings
  • ✔ Protects vehicle electronics
  • ✔ Suitable for trailers, caravans and commercial units

Rather than reverting back to outdated filament bulbs, the 68007 allows you to keep the advantages of LED technology without electrical compatibility issues.

Is It Safe to Drive With Blinking LED Trailer Lights?

Driving with hyper flashing indicators or inconsistent lighting is not advisable.

Rapid flashing is designed to alert drivers to a fault. If other road users misinterpret your signals, it can become a safety issue.

In addition, incorrect lighting can result in:

  • MOT failures
  • Roadside prohibition notices
  • Insurance complications

Ensuring your trailer lighting functions correctly isn’t just about convenience — it’s about road safety and compliance.

Why LED Trailer Lights Are Still the Best Choice

Despite compatibility issues, LED trailer lights remain the superior option.

Advantages include:

  • Longer lifespan
  • Improved visibility
  • Faster brake response time
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Better vibration resistance
  • Sealed waterproof units (ideal for UK weather)

The blinking issue is simply an electrical communication problem — not a fault with LED technology.

When Should You Install a Fault Eliminator?

You should consider installing the 68007 control unit if:

  • You’ve upgraded from filament to LED trailer lights
  • Your vehicle shows bulb warnings when towing
  • Your indicators flash rapidly only when the trailer is connected
  • You tow with a modern van, 4×4 or EV

Many professional towbar fitters now install control units as standard when fitting LED lighting systems.

Final Thoughts

If your LED trailer lights are blinking, flickering or causing dashboard warnings, the issue is almost always electrical load compatibility — not a wiring fault and not a defective product.

The solution is straightforward.

The 68007 LED Fault Eliminator Control Unit restores correct load balance, eliminates warning messages and ensures your trailer lighting operates safely and reliably.

LED technology is the future of trailer lighting. With the correct control unit in place, you can enjoy all the benefits without the frustration of flashing indicators.

If you’re unsure whether your setup requires a control unit, feel free to contact the Trailer Solutions team — we’re always happy to help.