Community Forums

mcaksala · 03-20-2016, 04:38 PM

Hi Group,
I recently purchased a 2007 Bounder 33R. I will be towing my Toyota Sienna using a tow dolly. What I'd like to do is attach to the RV the lights from the tow dolly and attach an additional set of lights which will be mounted on the back of the tow vehicle. Is it possible, with the proper adapters to attach two sets of lights with out any problems like overloading the system?
Thanks in advance for any information provided,
Mike

exrench · 03-20-2016, 06:40 PM

Some multi function/turn signal switches are very wimpy and are close to their current-carrying capacity. If I was doing what you suggest, I would incorporate relays in your motorhome for turn signals and brake lights as well as four way flashers. If you could post your chassis make and model,it would be helpful.

mcaksala · 03-21-2016, 09:33 AM

The Bounder is on a Ford Chassis... model number ? maybe 33R.
Thanks

Mr.Geritol · 03-21-2016, 10:17 AM

I tow using a dolly and additional lights as you suggest here. I added an additional connection on the dolly harness near the where the 7 way harness goes into the dolly.
That way I did not have to interfere with the coach wiring. My dolly and is all LED so very little extra draw.
The two additional tow lights I have are magnetic base and I stick them on the back of the car for added viability at night and in traffic. The extra draw from them did not effect the coach systems.
If I am going real long haul I have a sign I put on the back that has all LED lights.
I have had this set up for 5 years with no problem.

W3SI · 03-21-2016, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Geritol

I tow using a dolly and additional lights as you suggest here. I added an additional connection on the dolly harness near the where the 7 way harness goes into the dolly.
That way I did not have to interfere with the coach wiring. My dolly and is all LED so very little extra draw.
The two additional tow lights I have are magnetic base and I stick them on the back of the car for added viability at night and in traffic. The extra draw from them did not effect the coach systems.
If I am going real long haul I have a sign I put on the back that has all LED lights.
I have had this set up for 5 years with no problem.

I'd like to see that. I tow a van on a Tandemtow HDXL which is 14' lond with added length of van, I'd like to put a sign on the back window.

Thanks

W3SI · 03-21-2016, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaksala

Hi Group,
I recently purchased a 2007 Bounder 33R. I will be towing my Toyota Sienna using a tow dolly. What I'd like to do is attach to the RV the lights from the tow dolly and attach an additional set of lights which will be mounted on the back of the tow vehicle. Is it possible, with the proper adapters to attach two sets of lights with out any problems like overloading the system?
Thanks in advance for any information provided,
Mike

My tow dolly has a Flat 4 plug located just inside the drive side tire. Plug in those extra magnetic lights (LED for low draw) and run the cable inside the drivers door so the wiring don't scratch the vehicle.

mbrandt1402 · 03-21-2016, 11:45 PM

For day to day simplicity while out on the road, I tapped into the toad's lighting harness, with diodes "upstream" from the new wiring's entry points to prevent electrical backflow into the rest of the toad's circuits. The installation is obviously more complex, but I don't have to carry a light array around or worry about marring the paint, etc.

If your RV uses the same filaments for stop and turn but your toad has separate lights, there are converters available that break the combined signal out into separate leads. Sometimes it is hard to convince the counter guy at your FLAPS (friendly local auto parts store) that you really know what you are talking about. 99.9% of the time, they are selling converters that do the reverse (take separate signals and combine them for the trailer lights).

Mr_D · 03-21-2016, 11:59 PM

When we towed with a dolly I spliced into the dolly wiring and installed a 6 way plug. Then built a cord to go between the dolly and car. Worked fine

Mr.Geritol · 03-22-2016, 10:31 AM

W3BY
Unfortunately because we are renovating at home and I am reading this from work (shhh don't tell my boss) I don't have a picture I can post right now. I made the sign myself. I had a lable shop make up a picture of Yosemite Sam ready to draw his guns and the caption says "Please Don't Honk, Im ah pushin as hard as ah kin Yha Dang Rabbit" We get more cheerful honks and waves when we are on the highway and no angry blasts from the rabbits. The sign has clearance lights and stop/signal lights and plugs into my tow lights.
If we ever get done the reno or I get a chance I will dig up a picture and post it here for you.