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Topic: Trailer/Toad Wiring (Read 771 times) previous topic - next topic

Trailer/Toad Wiring

Recently purchased, and enjoying, a 97 U295 after owning an sob for 13 years. Now having to familiarize myself with the new systems. I have read a number of posts related to toad wiring from forum searches looking for the location of the converter which converts the turn signal outputs to a brake output. I get good left & right turn signal outputs on the motorhome/side plug but no joint output when the brake is applied. I assume the converter or related circuit has failed but cannot find it at the rear of the coach near the 6 pin receptacle, in the engine compartment or under the dash. Anyone know where it might be. Also recently removed and cleaned the front air leveling manifold using the great source of info here on the forum. Had an open travel solenoid coil which was replaced and now works great. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post their advice and experiences.

Ed
1999 U270 36, no slide

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #1 –
Ed,

On our '97 the magic box is ty wrapped to the rear frame rail right at the air dryer. Or said another way all the way to the left side of the rear frame rail.  There will be a wad of wires that (some are spare and go to the front of the coach) it is hid under.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #2 –
Thank you Pamela & Mike. Going to be back under it (with blocked suspension) this morning to take another look......Ed
1999 U270 36, no slide

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #3 –
You should be able to see it with the rear engine door open.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #4 –
Here is where ours is located and what was OEM in '97  yours should be close to this location.
P & M

Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #5 –
Pamela & Bill,
  Looks like my engine bay area is configured diffently than yours. My air dryer is on the right and the air filter canister is accessed from a side compartment door on the left. Most of the posts I have searched indicate the same location as yours but mine has none there. I finally assumed there was none installed and bought and installed a converter since I had everthing but brake lights when brake was applied. I might run into it someday as I get to know the coach better but for now at least I have brake lights on the toad. Thanks again for taking the time to post the pictures. That was helpful.

Ed
1999 U270 36, no slide

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #6 –
I am having the same issue with hooking up my toad. I have the six pin socket on the back.  I get running lights and turn signals but no brake lights. It sounds like my brake light converter went bad. Unfortunately, mine is not right inside the engine compartment on the bar.

Anyone have an idea where the brake/tail light converter is on a 1996 U320?
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #7 –
They did not come standard if I remember correctly, and had to be added if you wanted the 3to2 adapter. Yours may have never had one installed. They are readily easy to see where they are.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #8 –
Quote from: red tractor –
They did not come standard if I remember correctly, and had to be added if you wanted the 3to2 adapter. Yours may have never had one installed. They are readily easy to see where they are.

Wow. How would ANY trailer be towable without the proper brake lights?

I followed the wiring harness around until it ran forward past the transmission. I did not see a converter box anywhere.

They come in powered and unpowered. How would I get power for a powered one?
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #9 –
If the trailer was wired with foreign wiring in other words if the trailer had amber turn signals then it would have worked. Like if the car that was towed had the amber lights then they could have been used so no need for the converter. The converter is usually mounted to the cross bar near where the tow plug is located. You can tap into the harness that goes to toe tow plug and you just cut the wires in install the converter as per the instructions on it.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #10 –
It is not foreign wiring. I just had the toad (2014 Honda CR-V) wired at the trailer shop. On the toad, the running lights work fine. The blinkers work (although not the amber bulbs). I have tested the pins with a voltmeter and the two right and left blinkers (green and yellow) have power but go dead when the brakes are pressed. 
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com
 

Re: Trailer/Toad Wiring

Reply #11 –
Yup, need a 3 to 2 converter.

Here is a good/common one: Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020