RV towing light issue

[JimP]

I have recently acquired a 2003 Ram 2500 to tow a 26rl flagstaff. Hooked up this afternoon, checked lights. Running lights and left signal and brake light working, right signal and brake light not working. Checked and found bulb rusted in receptical. Purchased new bulb and cleaned recepticle with emery cloth. Afterwards had no lights at all on the RV. Unplugged cable from truck, checked fuses in truck. Plugged cable back in to truck and now have running lights, but no turn signals or brake lights. Dark by now so don't know if my trailer brakes work or not. Any suggestions.

[jevanb]

hit the manual slide on the controller and listen for the buzz of the brake magnets. or try to pull with the slider slid to brake and if the trailer no move the brakes are working

[JimP]

Thanks for the quick response, will check that first thing in the morning, then tackle the light issue again.

[pwrstroke2012]

Typically electrical issues like that are related to a bad or poor ground wire. Check and clean grounds.

[puff]

What pwrstroke said..!

Check you ground on the truck and on the trailer, I am betting one is dirty or rusty. Invest in a small tube dielectric grease it will save you lots of tylenol on the headaches.

If that does not work check every light bulb, socket, grease and re-install. Some manufactures run their grounds through a light or that connection and if the ground fails there it affects the rest in the line...just like those awful christmas lights.

[JimP]

Thanks for responding. The bulb on trailer right rear was rusted. But it would light with the running lights. Left rear was working ok. When I removed the bulb on the right, it broke and I sprayed some oil on to loosen the rust, maybe that started the rest of the problem. Used emery cloth to remove rust. After replacing the bulb, nothing worked on the trailer. Unplugged, Checked fuses, re plugged. The running lights were now working, but no brake or signal on either side of trailer. Will definitely get some dielectric grease as soon as stores open today.

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by JimP

Thanks for responding. The bulb on trailer right rear was rusted. But it would light with the running lights. Left rear was working ok. When I removed the bulb on the right, it broke and I sprayed some oil on to loosen the rust, maybe that started the rest of the problem. Used emery cloth to remove rust. After replacing the bulb, nothing worked on the trailer. Unplugged, Checked fuses, re plugged. The running lights were now working, but no brake or signal on either side of trailer. Will definitely get some dielectric grease as soon as stores open today.

Have you tried spraying some WD40 into both the & pin socket and camper connector to eliminate any moisture from causing the problem?

Dave

[puff]

If the bulb socket was that rusted you may have to pull the light base of your unit and check the wires in the back or if you see the wires coming into the socket look at them. Make sure they too are not rusted or broken. Make sure you check those grounds first, I bet the problem is there. Hope this helps, good luck.

[joelek]

A spray can of ether starting fluid works good for cleaning up crud, green corrosion, etc. in trailer plug fittings. It's under good pressure so it blows stuff out of tight spots. Dries very quick too. This is a quick fix for on the road to get lights gong again. Replace items when you get home or clean them for real.

Get one of these to check trailer harnes from truck - confirms truck plug is ok. If truck plug is ok, then you know you have a trailer issue. Plug one end in for 7 pin round. Use other end to check 4 pin flat.

Ultra-Tow 7- and 4-Way Circuit Tester, Model# DBP7+4 | Wiring Kits| Northern Tool + Equipment

[puff]

Originally Posted by joelek

A spray can of ether starting fluid works good for cleaning up crud, green corrosion, etc. in trailer plug fittings. It's under good pressure so it blows stuff out of tight spots. Dries very quick too. This is a quick fix for on the road to get lights gong again. Replace items when you get home or clean them for real.

Get one of these to check trailer harnes from truck - confirms truck plug is ok. If truck plug is ok, then you know you have a trailer issue. Plug one end in for 7 pin round. Use other end to check 4 pin flat.

Ultra-Tow 7- and 4-Way Circuit Tester, Model# DBP7+4 | Wiring Kits| Northern Tool + Equipment

Now that is cool tool to have...it however will not show intermittent connections unless you have a helper move wires while you watch the lights but still a cool tool for the tool box.

[1Texan]

Sometimes an intermittant problem such as this is caused by the blades in the RV plug or the connections on the truck receptacle become loose or spread apart. There are several versions of the plugs. Connect the trailer to the truck and have someone watch the lights as you move the plug around in the receptacle. If you are getting intermittant lights, take a small screwdriver and adjust the plug and/or receptacle contacts so they make better cotact with each other.

[jeeplj8]

I would guess that when you sprayed the rusted socket you shorted that one. Re-check all your fuses.

And if it was that rusted, it may have failed internally. Time to get out the volt meter and see what is what.