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LED lights

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.
1994 U300

Re: LED lights

Reply #1 –
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
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: LED lights

Reply #2 –
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.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: LED lights

Reply #3 –

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

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: LED lights

Reply #4 –
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)
1994 U300

Re: LED lights

Reply #5 –
Quote from: davidaj –
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 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
Andrew Buras
Full Timing Since July 2007
1995 U-300 Lived in it for 14 years and now back in it.
Build #4627
Towing 2015 Ford Flex
Still on the road

Re: LED lights

Reply #6 –
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.

J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: LED lights

Reply #7 –
Thank you guys.  Am checking Amazon.
1994 U300
 

Re: LED lights

Reply #8 –

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...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN