7-Way Plug

Happy

Hello 
I'm traveling alone for the first time in my new-to-me 2014 MaxxQ.  My TV -- a 2012 Chevy Colorado.  It seems that the 7-way plug on my truck is not functioning properly.  The taillights on the camper light, but only one side gives a turn signal or brake signal, the other just shines steady.  When the 7-way plug is tested it shows the expected voltage changes on the side that blinks and no change on the side that doesn't blink.  So clearly the plug isn't right.  Also, my coach battery isn't charging when I drive.  
I looked under the truck.  I see that there is a thing under there called a Hopkins Taillight Converter.  There are wires going into this that are severely corroded, one is even broken.  I googled this item.  It says it converts the tow vehicle LED 3-wire light system to the trailer 2-wire system.  My first question is:  my old trailer was a 2006 DM.  I am using the same tow vehicle for both trailers, but was this converter needed for the DM and is it also needed for the LG?  In other words, do other people have this converter for their LGs?  
Does anyone know about this converter -- can I buy a new wiring harness to replace the corroded wires?  Where would I buy this?
How would I troubleshoot the coach battery not charging while I drive?
Just to round out the story, my husband was the one who took care of all of the mechanical / electrical things.  Since he died I'm trying to learn and be self sufficient.  Any help is welcomed.

Vermonster

Happy, I would take the truck to a reputable shop and have the wiring harness replaced.  I don't think there is anything about the t@b that's any different than any other trailer.  I expect that would take care of all your problems

RollingBnB

It looks like the TV only has a single tail light (same bulb for brake and turn) so it must have been the old trailer that needed the convertor. If the new trailer has only one bulb you won't need any convertor. The battery charge line is fused and could just need a new fuse. Might be worth having your local RV shop take a look.

JandJ92010

I would go to a Chevy dealer and get a factory trailer wiring harness that is made for your truck, and have them install it, that way everything would be new and should be reliable.

Michigan_Mike

Happy said:

Hello 
I'm traveling alone for the first time in my new-to-me 2014 MaxxQ.  My TV -- a 2012 Chevy Colorado.  It seems that the 7-way plug on my truck is not functioning properly.  The taillights on the camper light, but only one side gives a turn signal or brake signal, the other just shines steady.  When the 7-way plug is tested it shows the expected voltage changes on the side that blinks and no change on the side that doesn't blink.  So clearly the plug isn't right.  Also, my coach battery isn't charging when I drive.  
I looked under the truck.  I see that there is a thing under there called a Hopkins Taillight Converter.  There are wires going into this that are severely corroded, one is even broken.  I googled this item.  It says it converts the tow vehicle LED 3-wire light system to the trailer 2-wire system.  My first question is:  my old trailer was a 2006 DM.  I am using the same tow vehicle for both trailers, but was this converter needed for the DM and is it also needed for the LG?  In other words, do other people have this converter for their LGs?  
Does anyone know about this converter -- can I buy a new wiring harness to replace the corroded wires?  Where would I buy this?
How would I troubleshoot the coach battery not charging while I drive?
Just to round out the story, my husband was the one who took care of all of the mechanical / electrical things.  Since he died I'm trying to learn and be self sufficient.  Any help is welcomed.

Well the first clue is that you do have a 7-pin wiring harness and if you have a 7-pin female receiver at the back of your tow vehicle this is a start.  But it sounds like you have a 12 volt set-up that basically converts a 4 wire harness to a lighting (7-pin) set-up and allows for turn signals on your trailer.   You can certainly start at the battery of your tow vehicle and as noted earlier there should be a fuse at the battery and a dedicated charge line running from the battery, beneath the car frame and to the rear of your vehicle.  Normally this line will be a larger wire (a dedicated charge wire to the trailer) and was run separately for the sole intent of charging a travel trailer.  From the sounds of what you currently have, I am betting that you don't have a dedicated charge line from your tow vehicle, running back to the trailer wiring harness and thus no charge for your trailer battery.  

And if you already see a corroded and broken wire in the Hopkins converter, chances are this is why your turn signal/lights are not working properly.  

If I were you and as others have suggested, I would get a recommendation in the area for a reputable trailer hitch install company and someone who wires up trailer wiring harnesses on a regular basis.  If you do take it to a Chevy dealer or even a repair garage you will pay through the nose.  Their rates can run upwards of $100 an hour, etc. and by asking a local resident (or even a family member) or taking it to someone who is experienced/specializes in trailer wiring they will probably remove the old Hopkins wiring set-up, update your wiring and allow you to have a setup that will last you many years or until you trade in your vehicle.  

Most hitch specialists will and can give you a rough $$$ estimate just by looking at your current configuration and some of the Chevy dealers also contract this type of work out too, depending on the size of their shop, vehicle/backroom volume, etc.  Not every dealership delves in trailer wiring and unless the vehicle comes equipped with a trailer package from the factory some of the smaller shops won't mess with it and prefer to farm out this type of work because it tends to be time and labor intensive.  The hitch/wiring harness businesses see this work daily, they specialize in it and can get it done in short order, as opposed to trying to figure things out.   Consider this type of install an investment in your trailer too as having peace of mind goes a long way when you are 2K miles out from your home base and all systems are operating as they should!  

Happy

Wow!  What informative and helpful answers.  Thank you so much.  I was prepared with this information when I went to an RV and Boat repair service waayyy out in the sticks of Iowa.  Super nice guys.  Took me in without an appointment -- found that the battery not charging was caused by a bad ground...they fixed that.  Found that the lights weren't working because the Hopkins converter had shorted out (it was unprotected from salty winter roads and was corroded)...they replaced that and all the wiring and now the lights work!  Then I had them look at the newly installed electric brake controller that I felt was not working.  Found that my local mechanic at home had wired it backwards ( ! ) so that there was a current going to the trailer brakes all the time, EXCEPT when I applied the foot brake and then there was NO current!  Good thing I had felt something wasn't right with that and turned it way way down so I didn't burn out my trailer brakes!  Anyway, I now have lights, power and brakes!  Thanks for the support and information.  And guess what -- all that was $247.  

Nomad

Great - Nothin like getting great service out in the hinterland.

ericnliz

Happy, Glad it wasn't anything more serious, or expensive. Intuition is a good thing to follow. If it doesn't seem right, it probably isn't. Now you can go enjoy!