OEM 15a Taillight convert fire

[Glacierskier]

I have driven with my trailer for over 4000 miles in the last 2 years. Today, I plug in the 4pin, check the turn signals, and stop lamps. Turns are not working. I am thinking a bad ground. I get underneath and shake the OEM trailer wiring cluster......... then I check the turn signal again... as I return from the rear of my 5x8 wells cargo trailer I see smoke billowing from the drivers side rear vent. Luckily, i was able to pull the driver's tail light and disconnect the 15amp converter before a full blown fire. The "black box" spewed smoke for a good 5 minutes as it melted it self.

WHAT IN THE HELL WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS?

All lighting and electrical is fine on my rig, post lil" fire.

 

[Glacierskier]

Any ideas? Maybe an arc?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

There's a TSB on something like this, don't know if it developed into a recall. Friend of mine with a '98 has something similar, black box melted into goo.

edit: searched:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/29687-towing-wire-harness-recall-98-99-a.html

 

[Glacierskier]

Trunk Monkey,
Thanks!!!! I will be heading to a Toyota dealer in the AM. I will post results then.

 

[NMuzj100]

These converters are all junk. Better off going with an aftermarket independently powered converter.

Lots of good threads if you search "trailer converter".

 

[Glacierskier]

Follow-up

My Toyota dealership parts department advised me that the OEM converter was discontinued. He also stated, under his breath and on the sly, they were garbage anyway. He told me any auto parts store would carry a better converter. I ended up with a Hopkins converter. Easy install and up in running in 2 hours, a buddy stopped by with Dunkin' Donuts anc coffee, this slowed me down by about an hour.

Thanks for the help!