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cskfleet · 08-02-2016, 10:19 PM

Hey y'all. I'm having a problem with my newly installed trailer 7 pin plug. It seems that when the headlights are off, everything on the trailer works fine. When the headlights are on, the trailer goes nuts. If I step on the brakes with the headlights on, the entire trailer goes dark. But if the headlights are off, the brake lights work fine.

This is on a 2002 Damon intruder with the Workhorse chassis. The coach had a 4 wire pin, so I installed a 4 - 7 wire adapter and have been confused ever since. I don't think anything is backwards or things wouldn't work fine with my headlights off. Any experiences out there with this???

plasma800 · 08-03-2016, 08:48 AM

https://www.etrailer.com/question-109517.html

https://www.etrailer.com/question-9561.html

https://www.etrailer.com/question-11004.html

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Don_T · 08-03-2016, 02:29 PM

If you aren't blowing fuses, I bet you have a ground problem. Try getting a piece of wire, at least 12 gauge and ground it very well from the trailer frame to the vehicle frame. Easy to do and if it works, an easy fix can be done.

Chuck_Hammer · 08-04-2016, 07:12 AM

adaptor is not a good idea, my opinion.

Hopkins 46365 Short Proof Power Converter

does not use power from your fuse box .. or pulls power from switches...

Fresh install. no overloading MH circuits.

did my Dodge Ram. 2 years ago. but it had a smart fuse box.
.
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cskfleet · 08-04-2016, 02:30 PM

Thanks for all the replies. After second guessing myself half to death about the plug I installed, I found it was the ground on the trailer that had corroded. A little cleaning with some sand paper and everything now works fine!

When people tell you a ground is important, they mean it!!

Don_T · 08-05-2016, 09:52 AM

Bad grounds on trailers seem to be the biggest reason for lighting troubles. It is usually the easiest to troubleshoot and fix.

HD4Mark · 08-05-2016, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don_T

Bad grounds on trailers seem to be the biggest reason for lighting troubles. It is usually the easiest to troubleshoot and fix.

I agree. Trailer wiring is a giant PIA and usually the ground. We bought one of the magnetic brake light sets to have on hand for those moments when you are ready to leave and of course the trailer or toad lights won't work. I don't think they will work with a 7 pin though.

If found out the hard way that if you use the magnetic ones on a PWC trailer, tie them on with string or something. They don't work after dragging them.