Travel Lights Come On Randomly

[Dave and Cindy]

The lights that come on when hooked up to the tow vehicle (the little ones on the sides and back of trailer) come on occasionally while the unit is in storage with no hookups of any kind. Anyone know where I begin to look to figure this out. I have zero idea.

[topgun2]

I think that the most likely source of the problem would be at the trailer connector/pigtail that you plug into your tow vehicle.  I would look for a short there most likely caused by water and/or dirt.

 

Bill

[Dave and Cindy]

Thanks, I will go over and check that out this afternoon.

 

Appreciate the advice.

 

 

[Dave and Cindy]

Well that did not work unless I did not do it sufficiently. It appears clean and dry. I am attaching photo. Any other suggestions as to a cause or how I might clean this better? Appreciate any help.

[John E Davies]

You need to take the center part out of the housing to check for corrosion where the wires hook up inside. Usually there is a clamp where the cable enters in back, and also a small set screw that goes in from the side to anchor the inside part. I don’t have any pics, but I am pretty sure the Ollie one is built that way.

 

Those little lights are called running lights, the ones up top are clearance lights.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[Dave and Cindy]

Sweet, thanks I will head out there tonight while it is cooler and see if I can get it apart.

 

 

[Dave and Cindy]

Super, thanks, that fixed the light problem (and thanks for the terminology). My last question is this something that is ok to just thoroughly clean or should I replace this part. Also, when I put it back together can I seal it with a gel that I can break loose but that ought to keep out dirt and water?

[John E Davies]

That is pretty gross, but I guess you found your problem. That blue-green glop is corrosion and it is conductive, so current is flowing where it should not. You can clean it up with isopropyl alcohol or electric contact cleaner (not a harsh one like brake cleaner) and an old toothbrush. That will probably keep you on the road for a few months.

 

As bad as that looks, I would consider putting a complete new harness on the trailer. The inside of the wires, the copper conductors, are also corroded and you can't clean that.... There is really no way to stop moisture from entering, but it is OK to seal the back where the cable enters to keep out water, using silicone sealer, and always leave the plug hanging downward when not hooked to your truck. That way any moisture will hopefully drain out.

 

You should spray some cleaner inside annually at least, to just flush out the crud. If you have compressed air, blast it afterwards, watch your eyes!

 

This might help.... http://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/how-to-junction-box-for-trailer-harness-repair-or-extend-the-harness/

 

Good luck,

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[ScubaRx]

Those plugs tend to get moisture inside when it rains. Try to store it somewhere it can stay relatively dry. What happens is the moisture will short the positive (connected to the batteries) to the wire going to the clearance lights and make them come on. I wouldn’t seal it up too tightly. If moisture does get in it will just make it harder to remove.

 

 

[Dave and Cindy]

Thanks for all the advice and good information. I appreciate the response. Off today to replace the plug.

[John E Davies]

Thanks for all the advice and good information. I appreciate the response. Off today to replace the plug.

 

Remember that you can have the exact same problems with the other connector, the one on your truck. Clean it occasionally. If it is a factory one and made of plastic it should be reliable for many years, if an aftermarket one, who knows? An old add-on socket with a silver steel housing is a time bomb. The corrosion will short out the hot wire(s) to the housing and blow a fuse. I have seen old steel ones that were a rusty nightmare inside.

 

Good luck.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[Dave and Cindy]

Good information, appreciate it all. I replaced the trailer side and cleaned the truck side. It is factory but it has been on there for 12 years, so it needed it. Everything actually works. All things, among thousands more, I did not know.