I did a search and it seems that the dead tail light converter is a widespread problem. Mine's dead I believe. No voltage for the turn signals/brake lights at the connector.

My options are to either get an aftermarket converter, or just connect all the trailer lights to a battery mounted on the trailer, so that they're constantly on <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> .

What's your opinion on the latter? The trailer is a flatbed so my 4runner's tail lights are still visible. I don't really feel like mucking about with the truck wiring itself.

Has anyone had an aftermarket converter short out?

If you plan on towing much in your lifetime it would pay to get comfortable with trailer wiring. It's not "mucky". It's clean compared to other mechanical work and it's not hard if you put your mind to it.
Converters burn out. Factory or aftermarket. The one on my 98 was bad when I got it, factory. The first aftermarket on my 85 lasted about 2-3 years.

"The more you know, the less you need"
Edy

What I posted last week <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />