Troubleshooting Wiring on 2012 Rockwood Premier Pop-Up Camper Trailer

Question:

My lights went out and the electrical wires by the left tire started smoking so I unplugged the connecter plug to the truck and it stopped...If I didnt unplug it.. The lights would stay on all night....No clue where to start...Thanks...

asked by: Joe B

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like there may be a corrosion problem in the 7-way electrical plug on your 2012 Rockwood Premier pop-up camper trailer. Exposure to the elements can actually result in corrosion inside a trailer's plug, a part like # H20046, and this internal corrosion may be difficult to see from the outside. Such a condition can lead to shorts with the 12V power circuit, which could be what smoked your wires.

First I suggest you test the trailer by itself (disconnected from the vehicle) with either a fully-charged spare 12V battery or you can use the one in your vehicle. The linked photo will help you. Ground the negative battery terminal to the 7-way's ground pin and then one by one apply the 12V+ to the pin for each lighting circuit. This will tell you if there is an issue on the vehicle or if it is on the trailer side. it will also help you isolate which trailer circuit is faulty, one of the lighting circuit or the brake circuit.

You can also test the vehicle socket with a tester like # PTW2993, shown in the linked video, to confirm whether the signals are making it to the vehicle plug. Have a helper activate each light function while you test. This will help you find the circuit with the issue.

If you do find you need a new trailer 7-way plug you can use the part noted above along with a wiring junction box # 38656.

expert reply by: Adam R