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Fixed_Sight_Tra's avatar
Fixed_Sight_Tra
Explorer
Jul 14, 2013

Running/ tail light(s) coming on when truck isn't hooked up

The subject pretty much sums it up. While camping we drove up to the camper, An '01 keystone 235rr hybrid toy hauler, and the running lights were on. Today I went to my range where I keep it for teaching pistol classes and one of the tail lights was on. I don't disconnect the battery since I use the camper at least once a week for classes on top of taking the family camping.
I turned off the main power on the converter and it stopped charging off the gen but the light stayed on.
i am going to call Keystone in the am and see if I can get a schematic, I have the manual for the camper but it's not very specific as far as wiring goes. The 12 v lighter plug also stopped working. I don't know if they have anything in common but I thought I'd mention it.
Any ideas? Thank you very much.

Chris
Toy Haulers

16 Replies

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  • 2btowed's avatar
    2btowed
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2013
    X-2 Mapguy,Only power source is positive lead in 7-way or back in 4xbox where everything is tied together.My guess is trailer plug where they are all so close its easy to get a loose wire whisker touching.If you know where this positive wire is at the BATTS,disconnect and see if lights go off.
  • Fixed_Sight_Tra's avatar
    Fixed_Sight_Tra
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2013
    Thanks a lot for the input. Hopefully I will be able to get out there on Tues and see if I can figure it out. I'll start with the plug and work my way back. I'll let you know what I find out.
  • mapguy's avatar
    mapguy
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2013
    Your got a short or cross connection going. Check the 7 way trailer side male plug. If it is a molded unit -is it damaged or deformed? If a replaceable type check the inside for lose connections or wire whiskers cross connecting.

    Next stop would be the junction box on the trailer that the RV 7 way lead cord originates. Check for the same loose or cross connected situation... Beyond that it is a tedious one piece at a time troubleshooting process.

    Don't think it is a "ground" only side problem as the circuit has to be energized from some source.
  • 352's avatar
    352
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2013
    I have a 5er that I can put a jumper on my hook up that goes to my truck while disconnected and all the running lights will stay on. So I suspect it is in the wiring plug that hooks up to your truck.
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2013
    I had a strange anomaly like that while camping by myself out in the boonies. In my case, it turned out to be badly grounded taillights. Why that would make the running lights come on I cannot say...

    I only stumbled on that solution through trial and error. A new, solid ground solved the problem.

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