Community Forums

Unicorn Driver · 11-08-2018, 04:46 PM

Hi,

Just noticed both my rear Winnebago docking lights are hooked up to my starter battery. I noticed this when I turned off the house battery disconnect, and the two lights stayed on. When I disconnected the starter battery via the physical disconnect they turned off.

This is good for me as gives me light when I am opening up the coach when dark at the storage. Also tells me I have disconnected the chassis battery.

Posting as this may interest someone else.

winniman · 11-08-2018, 07:27 PM

This is how they should be. Generally when you are docking, the engine is running. It wouldnt make sense to have your headlights on the house battery, any more than the docking lights. They are part of your chassis lighting system.

Unicorn Driver · 11-09-2018, 06:13 AM

Thanks Winniman,

I have never used the docking lights while parking.

Are they to give extra light while parking? Only have this coach 5 months, old one did not have them.

winniman · 11-09-2018, 04:38 PM

I have two near the back,one on each side, facing backward, that light up the entire rear area. They are handy for backing in at night. They light up the whole area on both sides. Mine are about four inch halogens, and are quite bright.

Unicorn Driver · 11-09-2018, 06:05 PM

I have not had to park at night yet with this coach, but often did with the old one.

No doubt they will come in handy.

SCVJeff · 11-10-2018, 01:01 AM

Wait till unhooking the toad at night. You'll say “Oooooo”

Unicorn Driver · 11-10-2018, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCVJeff

Wait till unhooking the toad at night. You'll say “Oooooo”

I bet I will once I get one :-)

Ray,IN · 11-10-2018, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unicorn Driver

Thanks Winniman,

I have never used the docking lights while parking.

Are they to give extra light while parking? Only have this coach 5 months, old one did not have them.

Yes, they should only receive power when the transmission is in reverse with key on, like backup lights.

Unicorn Driver · 11-11-2018, 06:40 AM

Thanks Ray,

Mine stay on when the engine is off.

These are the lights I am on about.

winniman · 11-11-2018, 10:29 AM

Mine do not require the transmission to be engaged. The are on a switch on the dash marked docking lights. As long as the chassis disconnect is not turned off, the lights will work by operating the dash switch.

Gordon Dewald · 11-11-2018, 10:33 AM

Ours are wonderous and seem to have a mind of their own.

The will be on when the engine is off and the key is off. They will be on when the engine is running and you are in reverse. They are off when the engine is running and you are in drive.

Ray,IN · 11-11-2018, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unicorn Driver

Thanks Ray,

Mine stay on when the engine is off.

These are the lights I am on about.

Your left picture appears to be OEM backup lights. Most docking lights are near the rear wheel well area and illuminate from the rear wheels back on each side.

SCVJeff · 11-12-2018, 01:16 AM

Upgrade #1- Replace them with bright LEDs. I’ve left mine on all night twice in Quartzsite, but the 75% savings in power won’t destroy the nightly budget.