Trailer Problem
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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Trailer Problem
I just rewired my trailer to work with my truck. The electric brakes never worked before because the connector was cut off to accomodate my brothers truck. We couldnt figure out why we couldnt get any of the lights to work, so we ran a ground wire from my truck frame to my trailer frame, then we were able to get the lights working. So after getting all the lights to work the way they are suppose to, we disconnected the temp. ground wire and now none of the lights will work again. My truck has the factory wiring harness and im not getting any ground at the plug. I thought that the trailer should ground through the trailer hitch, so i wire brushed all of the rust off of the reciever and ball and still doesnt work. Has anyone else had this problem with the factory wiring? Or am i missing something?
Thanks
Thanks
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: South Florida
Jonsk
are you using the four wire plug or the seven wire plug? On the seven wire receptacle the lower left contact is the ground wire. On the four wire plug the left contact or the lower contact is the ground.
I had a bad plug on my previous travel trailer. The ground contact on it (lower right) would get corroded and prevent electric power to the lights. I had to frequently scrape it with a screwdriver or the like to get contact.
Someone had told me about the trailer being grounded through the hitch and I had done the same as you cleaning around the ball and tongue until I found out the ground is through the receptacle.
Ben
are you using the four wire plug or the seven wire plug? On the seven wire receptacle the lower left contact is the ground wire. On the four wire plug the left contact or the lower contact is the ground.
I had a bad plug on my previous travel trailer. The ground contact on it (lower right) would get corroded and prevent electric power to the lights. I had to frequently scrape it with a screwdriver or the like to get contact.
Someone had told me about the trailer being grounded through the hitch and I had done the same as you cleaning around the ball and tongue until I found out the ground is through the receptacle.
Ben
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Senior User
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Yeah im using the 7 wire plug because of the brakes on the trailer. I know there was a little corrosion in the 4 but i didnt see any on the 7. Lower right, ok, i thought the center was the ground. I will check that out as soon as it stops raining.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Johnstown PA
When chasing down a trailer light problem (Truck related that still isnt fixed right) I found a ground wire coming out of the loom that carries the trailer lights wires on the right side (Drivers side) frame rail. I had to lower the spare, and found it bolted there. It didnt help me, but it was kinda corroded and needed done anyway.
Hope it helps.
Hope it helps.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Greenwood, SC
I have had a few problems with 7-pin and they have always been corrected by finding a blown fuse, loose connection at the plug (trailer side), or the need to replace the trailer wire from the plug to the trailer distribution box. Loose connections are the normal culprit. I like the idea of finding your trailer ground on the frame and making sure it is solid.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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OK, i ran a wire from the ground connector on the trailer side to the frame of the trailer. All my lights work now, except my running lights, i think. My 7 year old was after me to play with him so i never completly finished the job..lol. So i think my problem is solved by running that one wire. I thank you all for your advice.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
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From: Long Beach, Ms.
Source; http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx
4 way pins out as;
Right Turn & Brake Lights ; Green
Left Turn & Brake Lights; Yellow
Tail Lights; Brown
Ground; White
4 way pins out as;
Right Turn & Brake Lights ; Green
Left Turn & Brake Lights; Yellow
Tail Lights; Brown
Ground; White
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 84
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From: South Florida
That diagram appears to be the exact opposite of the F Super Duty series (F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 ), Excursion electrical Tailer tow installation instructions that came with my Excursion.
Ben
Ben