We bought a tow dolly with led lights and they do not function properly hooked to our 1994 analog incandescent wiring. [I assume this is an led to analog issue as all the probes on the pigtail operate correctly] I bought an led flasher unit for in the dash, [did this on my semi because of installed led blinkers misbehaving and it worked] and also because that did not work..installed a resistor dodad at each tail light... and all to no avail. We tried this on several other dollies in the yard and each failed the same way. Is it correct to assume that this could be a ground issue? I tried just for the heck of it, running a ground from the coach frame to the dolly frame and that failed also. I haven't checked the actual wire harness yet for continuity because the other new dollies did the same thing, but I will.
David,
Our '93 U280 pulls a Kar Kaddy SS, which has LED lights. They work fine with our coach. The thread linked below follows some of my (many) steps taken to reach this point. It will tell you how my setup works - you can see if it can be adapted to your situation.
The GV coaches have separate turn signals and brake lights. This is called a "5 wire" harness. The tow dolly has combined turn signals and brake lights. This is called a "4 wire" harness". You might need a "power taillight converter" to make your tow dolly lights work correctly. This device converts the coach wiring harness over to a 4-wire flat plug that will work with the tow dolly.
Try reading through the thread below, and see if you get any helpful ideas:
Tow Lights Wiring Question (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=22234.msg168419#msg168419)
I think Chuck has it. We have a special combiner that goes from the separated FT lights to the high up combined lights and the combined lights on the Jeep. Wish I had a wiring diagram. It works.
Here are instructions from Roadmaster to connect a combined lighted tow behicle to a separate lighted motorhome.
Here is a photo of a basic converter. The label shows what wires come in, and what wires go out. The powered version adds a separate fused positive (+) battery wire that provides the power for the trailer lights (and towd lights if you have them rigged to operate), so that you don't overload the coach lighting circuit/fuse.
Amazon.com: Hopkins 46255 Power Taillight Converter: Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CMKG6O/ref=pe_385040_30332200_TE_item?ie=UTF8&tag=foreforums-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957)
Thank you all for the advice on the lights. I'll get started on it as soon as the monsoon season abates here in northern Cal. 8)
David I had a similar problem when I installed L E D Light bars on my tow vehicle, After 2 Standard type converters failed to perform, I found a powered converter works like a camp over a year now no problems.
Amazon has it Search Curt # 56187 $23.49
Good Luck,
Andrew
I removed the towed vehicle light converter from our coach. I use small "cube" relays to activate the lights on the towed vehicle. The cubes eliminate the voltage drop associated with diodes, so all of the lights on the Subaru shine more brightly. The lights are brighter whether in "native" use while driving the car, or while "in tow." I wired the turn signals to operate the amber lights for turn signals. The brake lights and turn signals are on separate lights whether "native" or "in tow."
I had to run more wires to the back of the towed vehicle and make several spade connections. I've been pleased with the results. I think the brighter lights, with separate turn signals, on the towed provide better signals to drivers near me.
I think the "cube relay" system would work with LED lights and well as incandescent bulbs.
Thank you guys. Am checking Amazon.
You could check at Xtreme. Rance had a nice HD converter/combiner box that worked very well. I am pretty sure he changed out the flashers as well. If you are making connections back there the heat shrink adhesive connectors work well and seal up against moisture. They are more expensive but this in one place you don't want problems. They come in different wire sizes.
Amazon.com: Scosche 0400BCHSY-100 12-10 Yellow Heat Shrink Butt Connector... (http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-0400BCHSY-100-Yellow-Shrink-Connector/dp/B008CVPG9Y/ref=sr_1_6?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1450315157&sr=1-6&keywords=heat+shrink+butt+connectors)