Community Forums

Deucenut · 06-10-2017, 09:01 PM

We just purchased a 2008 Dutchstar 4023 on a spartan chassis. I would like to instal an electric trailer brake controller. I'm wondering if anyone would be able to tell me where under the dash to look for the connector or labelled wires? Or if there is one at all? I can't seem to find a wiring diagram anywhere for this sort of thing. My last coach was a 2005 winnebago journey and it was really easy as they have all the diagrams on their website. Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 06-11-2017, 06:11 AM

Deucenut-

Here is a link to a Google search of iRV2 posts for the terms "Newmar," "Spartan" and "brake controller."

Here is a link to a post I made that includes a link to a Spartan wiring diagram for a 2005 Kountry Star. Sheet 58 of that set shows six-position connector #48, for which pin #4 is the trailer brake (output) signal to the 7-pin connector in the rear. Connector #48 should be under the dash, to the left of the steering column (although some folks have found theirs- on other makes/models, I think- under a panel on the top of the dash). The wiring diagram for the hitch connector is on sheet 94 of that set.

This should be enough to get you started.

"007" · 06-11-2017, 10:26 AM

Good job Mark,

thanks for the help and explaining how to get information.

Deucenut · 06-11-2017, 09:12 PM

Thanks guys for the help! I found the pig tail finally. It was at the top of the dash under the removable panel above the gauges. I was able to get the trailer brake controller wired up and working. But ran into a problem with the left/stop light at the trailer plug on the motorhome. Unfortunately it's not working and I'm left with trying to trace this small yellow wire through numerous wire looms to find a break in it or a junction. What a nightmare.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 06-12-2017, 04:19 AM

Deucenut-

You may want to replace the fuse and check the relay. See this post.

Deucenut · 06-12-2017, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

Deucenut-

You may want to replace the fuse and check the relay. See this post.

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it. I looked this evening at my motorhome and it appears the fuse panel in my 2008 dutchstar is a little different. Here are some pics:

Deucenut · 06-12-2017, 08:29 PM

Here are the pics.

Deucenut · 06-12-2017, 08:31 PM

Not sure if you guys can see them very well, but I just don't see anything that is a fuse. I pulled the fuses out for any turn signals I could find and they are fine. Not sure where to go from here.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 06-13-2017, 05:27 AM

Deucenut-

Spartan apparently changed circuits between 2005/6 and 2008 chassis. Here's a link to a post that points to a "TRW controller" supplying the rear turn/stop signals.

The second post on that thread suggests calling Spartan at:

Quote:

Spartan Motor Home Support
1-800-543-4277 have your serial number handy when you call.

Deucenut · 06-13-2017, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

Deucenut-

Spartan apparently changed circuits between 2005/6 and 2008 chassis. Here's a link to a post that points to a "TRW controller" supplying the rear turn/stop signals.

The second post on that thread suggests calling Spartan at:

Thankyou for the help. I'm a little over my head, so umm, what's a "TRW controller"? lol In the fuse panel there are two relay boxes that could be for the trailer as they are marked "TRLR MRKR". I was going to swap them as they are the exact same part number and see if that made the left work and the right not work. I would at least know if one of the relays was bad.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 06-13-2017, 01:20 PM

Deucenut-

I found an online copy of a Spartan wiring diagram set for a 2009-10 Entegra. I know, not a Newmar... but I take what I can get.

It indeed shows that a "Spartan Controller" supplies the turn signals, rather than the turn signal switch.

It also shows that Spartan moved the turn/stop relays and fuses to a "Bussmann" fuse-relay box, where previously they were on the block in the front. Your photographs show none of these components, so it's fair to assume that there is a Bussmann fuse box on your coach. If it exists, it will likely be in the rear, in a compartment. One way to find it is to turn on the hazard flashers and walk around, listening for the relays clicking.

Deucenut · 06-13-2017, 09:20 PM

Mark and 007, I just want to say thank you very much. I located the Bussman fuse panel in passenger side compartment directly behind the rear wheel. I read the fuse panel legend and found the burnt out fuse. 68 cents and 5 mins of testing later, and it was repaired. Thanks again as I had no idea there was a fuse panel somewhere else beside the compartment under the drivers chair. The information and people on this forum are priceless!!!