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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2016 21:44:28 GMT -8
Hi guys I wanted to ask and or be sure I know how to do this. Probably a very simple question. I have no original wiring in my Shasta. So that really doesn't apply. But I have simple blazer brake lights in the back, and hoping to get some new Marker Lights from VTS soon. I am wondering how to connect them to the tow wiring? Do you splice it together with the brown wire? This is what I have been told. Makes sense. They would need to be on when the driving dim brake lights are. But I am new to this so bear with me, and thanks for feedback!
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Paul B
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Post by Paul B on Mar 8, 2016 14:20:47 GMT -8
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Post by universalexports on Mar 8, 2016 14:23:15 GMT -8
yeah, the brown wire in the 4 pin connector is your tail lights,then you ground is to the aluminum, the problem with this is over time you may have grounding issues, since metal and aluminum chemically react when they stay in contact, I just ran 2 new wires under the skin and grounded to the frame so I know I got good connections, I also put LED light in my marker lights from VTS, they are waterproof and should last forever without issue.  |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2016 19:38:48 GMT -8
Thanks for the response. Ohh LEDs that looks great! Well right now I am having a hard time even doing the wiring of the tail lights. I have the green and yellow respectively to the right and left, all new wiring and connected to the generic but simple blazer lights, but I believe I do have a grounding issue. I have heard so many different things on how to ground these trailers effectively, but I must not be doing it right. Nothing so far. This stuff is so simple and so difficult! Up to now I have had the white wire hooked to the hitch area with a ground wire connector.
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Post by vikx on Mar 8, 2016 20:57:15 GMT -8
Keep in mind the above color code is the 4 way code. If you have a little flat plug to connect to the tow vehicle, the code is correct.
Most of us use a 7 way cord and plug and the 7 way code which is NOT the same as the 4 way. If your trailer has brakes and/or a battery, it should be wired to a 7 way.
Green is Tail and Marker lights.
Brown is Right Turn
Red is Left Turn
You can see how confusing it can get trying to properly wire a trailer...
Also, on the grounds, run a wire from a skin screw to the frame. That should give you a good ground for the lights.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2016 6:10:17 GMT -8
Hello Vikx, thanks for that. Yes it can quickly become a mess. I do have the 4 way. I'm going to try that grounding method. A friend of mine is saying I have to have the lights themselves grounded to the frame with a ground wire. I really wasn't sure... but if what you are saying should be effective I will try that. I have the stuff to do it, just need a little guidance. Really appreciate it.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2016 14:52:45 GMT -8
I'm about to lose my mind! A friend came to help me this morning, hooked up the plug to his trike that had the same 4 pin plug as my truck and took the ground wire and touched it to one of the mounting bolts of each light. They both worked when the ground was connected to the bolt. Now, I get my truck and do the same thing he did and I get nothing. Issue with the truck plug you say? Can't be, because I have a work trailer I pull every day and all the lights turn on in it with my truck plug. What in the world.. I thought the marker lights would be confusing but can't even hook up the brake lights. I don't get why it would work for his vehicle and not my truck.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2016 14:54:24 GMT -8
Also... wanted to say that I was willing to take a ground wire from the aluminum skin to frame. But his method worked for hua vehicle and was gonna go with it. But something isn't working when connected to the truck. Dang flab it! Lol
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Post by vikx on Mar 9, 2016 21:31:05 GMT -8
Sorry for your troubles, Rich.
The first rule on troubleshooting trailer lights is don't use a vehicle to test. They often have issues and you need to troubleshoot only one, not both.
My suggestion is to reground the trailer and make sure it is on clean metal. Ground the skin as suggested and be sure the grounding screws on the light plates are clean and secure to the skin. Also, reground the vehicle. Even if the other trailer is working, it can't hurt.
My Motto: When in doubt, ground it again. Learned that the hard way many times over the years.
I think you are very close, hang in there.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2016 6:11:01 GMT -8
Thank you Vikx for the encouraging words. I will definitely do that, I have heard grounding issues can cause many issues and I am almost sure that the problem somewhere. Yes, I sure hope I'm close! Haha
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2016 20:21:37 GMT -8
Alright guys! I finally got the first two marker lights hooked up, and they look great! Something about the feel you get when they first come on, like breathing new life into the camper.  |
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