Turn Signals and Brake Lights Will Not Light Up on 1994 Jayco Travel Trailer Towed b7 2001 Dodge Ram

Question:

I hook up my trailer to a dodge pickup with a 4 pin flat I used a 7 pin adapter. all my lights work except turn signals and stop. I have power from the truck side. also I put new bulbs in and also if I plug up my camper to my house electric the turn signals work.

asked by: David S

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the Jayco trailer has a 4-Way flat trailer connector and you are using a 7-Way to 4-Way adapter to plug it into your truck. Since you know you have power at the truck connector, plug in the adapter without the trailer connected and check for power on the output side of the adapter. If it does not have power then there is something wrong inside the adapter and it will need to be replaced with a new one such as # PK12716.

If your adapter also has power like it is supposed to then the issue must be on the trailer. First make sure that the trailer side connector is clean and free of corrosion inside and out. Then make sure the main trailer connector ground wire and the grounds for all of the lights are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You will also want to inspect the trailer wiring for any exposed copper strands and repair as needed.

If your Jayco trailer has the 6-Way square connector then it is possible that the turn signals and brake lights are on separate circuits. The tow package wiring on vehicles has combined turn signal and brake lights which is what most trailers use. In order to separate out the tow packages combined signals you would need to use a converter, # 118158.

The converter can be placed on the vehicle or trailer but needs to go after the combined signals on the vehicle and before the separate lights on the trailer. I have linked a video showing how the converter works.

expert reply by: Michael H