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Topic: dim lights on towed (Read 330 times) previous topic - next topic

dim lights on towed

could the roadmaster diode that I have to prevent feedback to
the motorhome be the reason for dim tail and brake lights
on my tow vehicle? remember no dumb questions

Re: dim lights on towed

Reply #1
Yes, most standard diode loose about .7 VDC.

There are more efficient ones/less voltage loss to heat, but more $$.
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

Re: dim lights on towed

Reply #2
A bad ground has been the culprit many times. If the lights are LED, the intensity should stay about the same over a fairly broad range of voltages.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: dim lights on towed

Reply #3
Check the voltage before and after the diode. FYI the diode can be doubled up in parallel and will reduce their resistance by 50% so your .7 of a volt will be reduced by almost half to .35 loss. If you are using a turn signal converter they too also have a loss across them. Pierce is spot on in regards to a bad ground.
Scott

 

Re: dim lights on towed

Reply #4
I would go with Pierce, bad ground as the brake lights and tail light are different
circuits.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport