not getting power from tow vehicle

[Davinderr]

Hi all, I don't seem to be getting power to my '07 Palomino through the 7 pin plug. When I hook up the battery all is good. Could this be a corrosion issue in the actual plug? Or have I blown a fuse or breaker somewhere? Any help or hints greatly appreciated as it's time to start getting out there

[caper]

What is the TV? It would help to know what you are towing with. Most trucks have the fuses for the trailer under the hood. If your TV has not been used before you might be missing the fuse for the 12 volts.

[Ford Idaho]

Could be both.

Fuse is under the hood, check the pigtail and the plug get a can of contact cleaner.

CRC INDUSTRIES 4.5-oz. Quick-Dry Electronics Cleaner Aerosol - Walmart.com

[Flybob]

Some TV's ( trucks) have an ignition operated relay that disconnect the 12V aux line when to TV is not running. This is to prevent the RV from draining the TV when you stop for lunch etc. The Fuse and relay ( if used) is usually not installed in a new vehicle. Some have them in the glove box and some just don't provide them

[Davinderr]

We tow a 2007 Palomino Gazelle 178QB with our 2011 Nissan Xterra

[Davinderr]

First noticed this when winterizing last season, plugged trailer into the 7 pin on truck to run antifreeze through the pump and plumbing and got no juice. Did this the same way last year and it worked fine. This was with no battery hooked up to the trailer. Also when I plugged in this season, my brake controller indicates no connection. Could this be just corrosion on the trailer plug?

[Flybob]

It is possible that the trailer package on that vehicle does not have the 12V aux wire connected. This is especially true if the tow package is not OEM ( dealer installed). Check the pin in the TV connector with a meter.

EDIT:
Posts crossed Ignore above.

Try plugging in and unplugging several times. The connector may be corroded.

[mike.t]

testing a 7 pin connector - Bing

[davel1971]

your owners manual will show you all the fuse locations. Check anything related to trailer.

[RVPP]

Check the ground on your TT. Bad ground can and will cause ALL manor of troubles. Good luck.

[jughrad]

Never tow without the battery connected. There will be no way to stop the trailer if you become disconnected.

The most common way to have blown a fuse under the hood of the tow vehicle is to plug in while all the lights are on. It is best practice to make sure no lights are on.

You can check to see if the 4 pin connector on your TV is working. If so then it could simply be the interconnect underneath the bumper that connects the 7 pin connector. In most Vehicles it is a separate connector from the main harness for each tow plug because the 7 pin connector is an option.

[PenJoe]

The first thing I would try is to squirt WD-40 into your 7-pin connector and then lodge and dislodge the trailer connector several times. That will generally clean the contacts-sometimes wiggling the connector helps.

[rsdata]

If you don't already have one, purchase a $5-10 digital meter at the hardware or auto store. Measure the voltage of the TV plug from pin 1 to pin 4 with your key on in the ignition. You should measure 12+ volts. If not, then you probably have a blown fuse.

WD-40 is not a contact cleaner... purchase a can of contact cleaner which can be found at Walmart or an auto parts store. A little WD-40 sprayed into the plug ends twice a year will help them not corrode.

See the diagram below...

[bcmcdonald]

[QUOTE=Flybob;1150608]It is possible that the trailer package on that vehicle does not have the 12V aux wire connected. This is especially true if the tow package is not OEM ( dealer installed). Check the pin in the TV connector with a meter.

Dealer failed to hook up the 12V on our 7 pin. The wire was right there!

[Bama Rambler]

Originally Posted by Davinderr

First noticed this when winterizing last season, plugged trailer into the 7 pin on truck to run antifreeze through the pump and plumbing and got no juice. Did this the same way last year and it worked fine. This was with no battery hooked up to the trailer. Also when I plugged in this season, my brake controller indicates no connection. Could this be just corrosion on the trailer plug?

From the above statement it sounds like it has worked in the past, but not now. Being that both the aux power and the brake controller have no connection, leads to a corroded connector or a underbody connector coming loose. There may be a connector on top of the rear axle for that TV.

It's still a good idea to check the fuses first.

[Justice12t]

I had something similar happen on my Ram a few years back. After testing my TV side 7 pin from the front to the back, I found that somewhere between the cab and the connector the wire was bad and it was somewhere above the fuel tank.
I just found the wires in front of the tank that tested good and ran new ones to just before that 7 pin. That solved my issue. The truck at the time was only a few years old also. Good luck and happy testing!

[PenJoe]

I have used WD-40 for years to clean electrical contacts. Works for me!!

[hammer55]

x2 especially auto

Originally Posted by PenJoe

I have used WD-40 for years to clean electrical contacts. Works for me!!

[Davinderr]

Thanks to everyone for the hints and tricks. I have checked the truck fuses and 7 pin connection truck side, and cleaned all the plug contacts and am getting brake and signal lights, but still no running lights when plugged into the running truck with the lights on. Am I still missing anything? I should mention that I do not have the trailer battery hooked up at this time as the trailer is still in storage. Could this be the source of my trouble? Sorry if these seem like newb questions, we are fairly new to RV ing. As always, any thoughts are appreciated.

[bob caldwell]

Bulbs ok?