Intermitant Brake Lights when Toad attached

[GTHill]

So when I depress the brake pedal with a toad attached, it will illuminate the brake lights, but they will go out within about 5 seconds. Then, while still depressing the brake, they will come back on for a second or so at a time. This behavior is only when a toad is attached. I'm just tried it on my new toad and it still has the same problem. I have also replaced the brake switch on the brake pedal.

My MH has a 2 into 1 because my turn signal light and brake lights are separate. When the toad is attached, the intermittent behavior is on both the toad and the coach so I don't think it is the 2 into one. It is almost like a relay somewhere is getting too hot and then becomes intermittent.

My coach is a 2003 Alpine Coach 40FD. Any help is greatly appreciated!

GT Hill

[RV Wizard]

Check to see if you have auto resetting circuit breakers. If so you need to see what amperage the brake light circuit is pulling and compare to the amperage rating of the circuit breaker. It could be a weak breaker or the circuit is pulling more amperage than the breaker will allow. Do not install a larger breaker unless the wire gage for the entire circuit is rated for it. If you find this to be the case there are other ways to address this issue. One other important possibility is having good grounds. Verify that you have good grounds on both the coach and toad for the brake light circuits.

[GTHill]

Mike,

Thank you very much for the information. I've never heard of auto resetting circuit breakers.

And another question... where are the circuit breakers??? I checked under the sink with the 110v circuit breakers but all that are there are fuses. The Alpine Coach manual isn't very helpful at all. Thank you very much!

GT

[DAN L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTHill So when I depress the brake pedal with a toad attached, it will illuminate the brake lights, but they will go out within about 5 seconds. Then, while still depressing the brake, they will come back on for a second or so at a time. This behavior is only when a toad is attached. I'm just tried it on my new toad and it still has the same problem. I have also replaced the brake switch on the brake pedal. My MH has a 2 into 1 because my turn signal light and brake lights are separate. When the toad is attached, the intermittent behavior is on both the toad and the coach so I don't think it is the 2 into one. It is almost like a relay somewhere is getting too hot and then becomes intermittent. My coach is a 2003 Alpine Coach 40FD. Any help is greatly appreciated! GT Hill

you might try replacing the brake light bulbs on your rv or toad with led bulbs if possible. led's draw very little current.

[RV Wizard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTHill Mike, Thank you very much for the information. I've never heard of auto resetting circuit breakers. And another question... where are the circuit breakers??? I checked under the sink with the 110v circuit breakers but all that are there are fuses. The Alpine Coach manual isn't very helpful at all. Thank you very much! GT

This is on the chassis side of things, so the fuses and circuit breakers are going to be in outside compartments and/or front and rear access doors.

[GTHill]

The LED's fixed it! It isn't quite as bright, but it did solve the problem. Thanks for all of the help!

GT

[DAN L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTHill The LED's fixed it! It isn't quite as bright, but it did solve the problem. Thanks for all of the help! GT

glad that solved your problem.
my problem was with the turn signals and the led's solved it.
all led's are not created equal. you can check around for brighter led's (more expensive). if they are too big, they may not fit your application.
there is some info in the archives of this site (use search) about replacing 12v incandescent bulbs with led's including manufacturers, part numbers and prices.