Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Flatfisher53 on April 28, 2019, 09:15:08 am

Title: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Flatfisher53 on April 28, 2019, 09:15:08 am
Any idea? I assume something from original brake controls but it seems like it's bypassed...sorta...
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Pamela & Mike on April 28, 2019, 09:19:40 am
That is the magic box for the trailer light plug.  Looks like it may have died and someone bypassed it rather than replace

Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Flatfisher53 on April 28, 2019, 09:21:20 am
What is it's function
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Pamela & Mike on April 28, 2019, 09:25:14 am
It converts the signal that individual turn signals and brake/tail lights like your coach has to be able to work with the single brake/tail/turn signal lights like is used on most trailers.  It has some diodes inside to make it work. Look up trailer light converter module for some good reading off the net that can explain clearer than I can as to haw the magic works.

Mike
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Don & Tys on April 28, 2019, 09:45:48 am
Our towed has separate amber turn signals and brake lights like our coach, so I removed the one that was on ours. I prefer this arrangement, but if we eventually get a new towed that had the combined brake and turn signals, I will have to revisit the issue.
Don
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Flatfisher53 on April 28, 2019, 09:54:20 am
So I'm currently booking up 7 pin trailer brake connector is this gonna mess me up?
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: jor on April 28, 2019, 09:57:12 am
You can wire up new converter. Here's the one I use. Converter (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VAWOE6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
jor
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on April 28, 2019, 10:07:25 am
As noted above, most early (80s to late 90s) Foretravel coaches have separate power circuits for turn and brake lights.  Whereas, most modern cars and trailers have combined turn/stop lights.  The "magic box" converts the separate coach lighting signals to 4-wire connector suitable for trailer or tow car.

If you decide to replace that magic box on your coach, I recommend a "powered" converter box.  It will take the trailer/tow car lighting power load off the coach wiring circuits.  It also will allow you to use LED lights, if desired, on the towed vehicle.

Note: with LED trailer/towd lights, you may need to upgrade the OEM coach flasher module.

I used the one linked below, and it has been working perfectly for 5 years:

Amazon.com: Hopkins 46255 Power Taillight Converter: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-46255-Power-Taillight-Converter/dp/B000CMKG6O)
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on April 28, 2019, 10:19:25 am
So I'm currently hooking up 7 pin trailer brake connector is this gonna mess me up?
I've never used a 7-way connector, but it looks like they require a 4-wire input for the lights.  In that case, you would install the converter box as described in posts above to output the 4-wire lighting signal, then run those 4 wires into the 7-wire connector.

How To Connect 7 Way Trailer & RV Plug - Diagram & Video - AJ's Truck & Trailer (https://www.ajtnt.com/7-way-rv-plug-diagram/)

Looks like they make adapters for this type of connection:

Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole Vehicle End Trailer Connector Tow Ready Wiring 30717 (https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tow-Ready/30717.html)
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Flatfisher53 on April 28, 2019, 10:53:45 am
I have hooked many trailer 7 pin connections up for trailer brakes. Lol but now I am confused as to if it will work without the gold box thing. As I have never done install on MH
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: craneman on April 28, 2019, 11:00:04 am
I have hooked many trailer 7 pin connections up for trailer brakes. Lol but now I am confused as to if it will work without the gold box thing. As I have never done install on MH
If your towed vehicle has separate turn signal, brake lights you don't need the converter. But need to follow the manufactures guide on hooking up to the vehicle. On my Grand Cherokee I added a separate double filament bulb on the rear and wired directly to it bypassing the vehicle wiring.
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Flatfisher53 on April 28, 2019, 11:01:59 am
I am just simply towing a trailer with my truck on it...not towing vehicle on all 4...the trailer has brakes and so that is the reason I am wiring in 7 pin connector
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: wolfe10 on April 28, 2019, 11:02:15 am
I am also a fan of the Roadmaster Brite-Lite if you need to convert 3 to 2: Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories (http://www.roadmasterinc.com/products/accessories/electrical/converter.php)
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on June 04, 2019, 10:18:20 pm
Yes I also used the Roadmaster brite lite when I installed my wiring for the toad. Works great.
Title: Re: Any clue what this gold box is by brake wiring?
Post by: Jack Lewis on June 06, 2019, 02:47:22 am
I am also a fan of the Roadmaster Brite-Lite if you need to convert 3 to 2: Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories (http://www.roadmasterinc.com/products/accessories/electrical/converter.php)
I too like the Roadmaster, a tech told me it is the only one he will use as he has had too many comebacks using ones marketed by hitch companies.  Amazon.com: Roadmaster 732 Brite-Lite 3-to-2 Wiring Converter: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Roadmaster-732-Brite-Lite-Wiring-Converter/dp/B003VAWOE6)