Towing Electrical Wierdness - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-22-2012, 05:18 PM   #1
Member
 
DrewSK's Avatar
 
Name: Drew
Trailer: 1987 Scamp 16ft, Layout 4
Minnesota
Posts: 77
Towing Electrical Wierdness

Hi all, coming out of the lurking ranks as we just purchased a 16ft 1987 Scamp.

When we picked it up, I didn't have the correct converter 4pin on my truck to 7 pin on the scamp. I stopped by a Menards for a converter, but in the dusky light of the parking lot I wasn't able to get a good ground. Drove home 30minutes without lights and managed to back the Scamp down our alley (a whole other story, first back up adventure ever). During the drive when I applied the brakes with the turn signal on, my 2001 Ranger's blinkers clicked to the fast blink pattern that usually signals a light being out.

After some sanding and extending the ground wire from the 4-7 converter finally got a good ground- some sign of lights! However when I flip the blinker on for either side, the rear lamps blink on both sides and if I apply the brakes with the blinker on the lights again click with the fast pattern. I'm guessing some of the wiring is switched around. Has anyone had this come up?

My next steps are giving the previous owner a ring and getting my multimeter out while checking with the scamp wiring diagram.
DrewSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2012, 05:53 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Bob Miller's Avatar
 
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
I had a similar experience with a Ford Windstar of about the same age. Seems that the lights were "Ground Seeking" that is, they were always hot and closing the circuit made the ground through a solid state controller. I had to add a special converter to make it all work. You might find out if that's what you need. Most auto supply stores carry them. Be sure it's for a FORD, and not just a 2 to 3 light converter.



Bob Miller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2012, 06:22 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Name: Ron
Trailer: 2008 13' Scamp
British Columbia
Posts: 325
You shouldn't need anything special. I use Ranger-Scamp wiring. I added a Hopkins 7 pin adaptor. The Ranger 4 pin connector just plugs into it. The extra wires of course aren't really needed unless you have brakes or want to add a charging circuit.

So the 3 basic wires (plus ground) on the Ranger just do the same thing via a 7 pin connector. There's lots of potential for a wire to have been changed over the years.

I use a multi-meter for trouble shooting all the time but for this situation, confirming that the trailer wiring is correct, I use a 12 volt source, wire by wire. Much more graphic and easier to sort out what wires powering what.

Ron
Ron in BC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2012, 06:23 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Dennis Clinton's Avatar
 
Name: Dennis
Trailer: Scamp 16'
Utah
Posts: 258
Registry
I found on my Scamp that the factory did not follow the standard trailer wire color pattern. Also check the 7 pin trailer end connector-has it been changed or is it molded on? If it's been changed, pull it and check the connectors. Also clean the bulb fittings on the trailer. Sometimes there's a bad ground at a bulb fitting, causing the power to back feed through the other filament.
__________________
Dennis
Dennis Clinton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2012, 01:11 PM   #5
Member
 
DrewSK's Avatar
 
Name: Drew
Trailer: 1987 Scamp 16ft, Layout 4
Minnesota
Posts: 77
Thank you all 100x!

I've taken the trailer 7pin plug apart, my ranger's 4pin, and the adapter. Adapter is new and in good condition, the other 4 plugs aren't awful... but will be cleaned for thoroughness.

Good idea on the bulb fittings Dennis, I'll check those as well.

If all is spicnspan and still no dice, I'll pull out the multimeter and get testin'! Thanks again all, I'll report back when the culprit is found.
DrewSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2012, 01:37 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Name: Tom
Trailer: none
Minnesota
Posts: 250
Registry
Drew,
Start with the Rangers 4 plug, does that work correctly?
Then check 4 to 7 wiring to make sure they all go to correct places on Scamps wiring. Then make sure you have ground on truck wiring and on trailer, then check all bulbs and bulb wiring, for corrosion, grounds.
On mine one time it was the grounding rivit inside one of the rear taillights was corroded.
Tom
Hambone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2012, 05:33 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Roy in TO's Avatar
 
Trailer: 1972 Boler American and 1979 Trillium 4500
Posts: 5,137
My Ranger did not come with any wiring. Bought an adaptor meant for the Ranger that you simply insert between two connectors in the rear wiring harness to get a 4 pin connection. Then bought the hoppy 4 and 7 pin connector that you plug the adaptor into. You might want to check into a HD flasher that will handle the extra load.
Roy in TO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2012, 06:49 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Carol H's Avatar
 
Trailer: 92 16 ft Scamp
Posts: 11,756
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrewSK View Post
I've taken the trailer 7pin plug apart, my ranger's 4pin, and the adapter. Adapter is new and in good condition, the other 4 plugs aren't awful... but will be cleaned for thoroughness.
Check the wires where they go into the vehicles plug. If they or the screws in the back of the plug have any corrosion it can result in weird and not so wonderful performance.
Carol H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2012, 07:03 PM   #9
Member
 
DrewSK's Avatar
 
Name: Drew
Trailer: 1987 Scamp 16ft, Layout 4
Minnesota
Posts: 77
Thank you all for your help! Took a look at it tonight:

- checked the voltages coming from my truck. All good.
- took apart plug on trailer for cleaning
- while it dried, tested all the lights w a 9v battery I had kicking around my garage. They all worked perfectly.
- reassembled plug after cleaning and tried it with my truck- everyone is happy!


Satisfied with the first very minor repair to my scamp. This is why I love diy.
DrewSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
electrical


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Electrical upgrade how far to go? Kent I Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 0 08-02-2011 09:57 PM
All new electrical system kyle minor Modifications, Alterations and Updates 4 06-04-2010 11:02 AM
Electrical help needed Pam Garlow Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 6 11-20-2007 01:35 PM
electrical question stan s. Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 2 08-10-2006 10:25 AM
Electrical bdiscount Electrical | Charging, Systems, Solar and Generators 6 06-27-2006 08:21 PM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:09 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.