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Mogulite · 12-10-2018, 08:59 PM

I always check that on my towed Jeep, both blinkers operate along with the breaks before I take off. Also have a breaking system. Last night it was dark and occurred to me that I didn’t know if the Jeep’s tail lights were on. They were not.

My question is, are tail lights required on the towed vehicle at night? Common sense tells me yes. But you’d think the harness that was installed would handle that if necessary.

Am I wrong?

Thanks all

Unplanned Tourist · 12-10-2018, 09:11 PM

Yes, tail lights are a must in my mind. Just as important as signals. You want people to be able to see you.
Happy Glamping.

Bahamaniac · 12-10-2018, 10:46 PM

It is a legal requirement.

waterman480 · 12-10-2018, 10:49 PM

There is a fault in your wiring somewhere or the installation was done incorrectly. A normal 4 wire toad connection includes the running lights.

Mogulite · 12-12-2018, 12:27 AM

My Tropical has a three wire prong. Wonder if that’s the problem?

OregonJim · 12-12-2018, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogulite

My Tropical has a three wire prong. Wonder if that’s the problem?

Are you sure? It should have three female pins and one male for a total of four (or, three male and one female if you're looking at the toad side).

FIRE UP · 12-12-2018, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogulite

My Tropical has a three wire prong. Wonder if that’s the problem?

Mogulite,
Well, as has been asked, are you SURE you've only got three prongs/pins in your umbilical from the coach to the toad? You see, normally, even in the basic wiring for a vehicle that's towing, to ANYTHING that's BEING towed, you should have at least a 4-wire system. And those are:

1. Tail/marker lights
2. Right turn/brake
3. Left turn/brake
4. Ground

So, if in fact you actually do have only a three pin plug, that's extremely odd and, I'm not sure I've ever seen a 3 prong/pin plug in relation to any form of towing/lighting.

And yes, also as has been stated, it is a MANDATORY requirement for tail/marker lights on anything being towed, to be illuminated for night time driving. So, I'd check your system and, if needed, re-wire it all so you have correct wiring and lighting. My other question would be, how long have you been operating like this?
Scott

Mogulite · 12-13-2018, 05:23 PM

The connector actually has six prongs. When I originally had the wiring done, they handed me a connecting cable with this six prong for my Jeep and a larger one for the motorhome. I had to return it and inform them that my motorhome had the same connection as the Jeep.

I remember having a conversation at that time with the mechanic. He said all the newer motorhomes have the larger connector. He then mentioned something about 3 prong vs. 4 prong. Can't remember now.

Anyway, I'll have to go back and see if they can rectify the problem.