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Topic: Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function? (Read 365 times) previous topic - next topic

Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function?

Upon removal of a number of zip ties so we can replace the crumbling split loom in the engine area, we uncovered a device we're not familiar with.  It does not appear in the schematics or in a Parts Manual. 

It was hidden under this bundle (which contains the extra wires, EX1 through EX6) that Foretravel installs.

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and looks like this (it's maybe - from memory, roughly 1 1/2 inches by 5 inches by 1 inch thick)

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The reason we're not sure if it's original equipment is that there is a black wire attached to a screw on the 6-pin tow receptacle that goes over the frame member, which seems rather aftermarket.  You can see it in the first photo, look for the thin black wire near 6-pin connector.

It is a "Trailer Light Adapter", model 401.  Looks fairly old.  The device has quite the finned heat sink body, which reminds me a little of the isolator, except much smaller.  Something diode-based?

If it's needed, we'd like to replace it, so sources or suggested alternatives are welcome.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function?

Reply #1 –
Michelle,

That is the magic box that converts European taillights to what is referred to as American. Whether you need a new one depends if the old one is working and what light set up you will be running on your toad/trailer. Looks OEM just like ours was hooked up and hid.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function?

Reply #2 –
Mike,

Thanks.  Ours does work with our existing toad (although we do need to run a charge line to the 6-pin).  Not sure if it was there in our '03 and we never noticed it, but this is the same toad we used with that coach.

Since it's working, we'll leave well-enough alone, except for cleaning up that ground wire routing (and replacing the split loom.)

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function?

Reply #3 –
This device is a required taillight control when towing vehicle has rear turn signal lamps separate from brake light, AND towed vehicle/trailer has combined turn signal brake lights. Other type of control is used when towing vehicle has combined tail/brake, vice versa. Is your tow wiring still using this device.

Re: Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function?

Reply #4 –
The 03 didn't need the adapter because the taillights were not foreign wired. Your coach that you have has an amber turn signal which is separate from the brake light. On the 03 the brake light and turn signals shared the same bulb.
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: Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Is your tow wiring still using this device.

Now that's a great question.  We haven't traced the wires yet.  Adding that to the list.  TBH, after buying the coach we literally hooked the toad up in Nac for the first time, checked the light function, got MOTs assistance on the tow brake setting, and headed home (after which we discovered we should have checked for the presence of a charge line  :facepalm:  ).  Not the way we usually roll, but we had family coming in from out of town and had to make tracks to get back to Tennessee.

Quote from: red tractor –
The 03 didn't need the adapter because the taillights were not foreign wired. Your coach that you have has an amber turn signal which is separate from the brake light. On the 03 the brake light and turn signals shared the same bulb.

This is good info.  The coach is going to Xtreme in February for (among other things) a taillight conversion.  We can revisit whether this adapter is needed with that conversion.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function?

Reply #6 –
Wiring towed to M/H HELP.
So all the new converters will be LED compliant and if you replace I would seek one out. I added the seven pin connector that is installed on new trucks. This also will provide trailer brake connection, back up light connection and a dedicated power lead. I like the easy control of the electric brake controller and never realized how nice it is to have backup lights on the trailers.

Re: Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function?

Reply #7 –
Seems Draw-Tite must have acquired Leisure Components somewhere along the time line.  There is one for sale on eBay for $21.
Jerre and Kathy Griffin
2003 U320 4220 Special
Build # 6207
2022 RAM Laramie 4X4 EcoDiesel
2002 Country Coach Magna 37 Tag- Forever Coach-Died in fire 7/23
1997 Country Coach 32 Intrigue-No slides-Wonderful

Re: Is this trailer wiring module original, and what is its function?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: DaBus –
Seems Draw-Tite must have acquired Leisure Components somewhere along the time line.  There is one for sale on eBay for $21.

Thank you  ^.^d !  Found the listing and, given the low price, purchased it as a "just in case" part for this zeroing-out project.  If it turns out we don't need it, we'll have it for someone on the forum who does.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320