The connector between the coach and the toad worked loose so we reattached everything. We checked the continuity and it all looks good. However, the right turn signal is not working. Everything else is. Are there any hints about what we should look for?

1. The pins (male side) of the connectors often have a split cut into the pin. After many uses, the two halves of the pins move together and do not put sufficient pressure on the receiving socket. With the power off to the connector, use a small knife to gently pry the two halves of each pin apart very slightly. This has cured a problem on mine several times.2. Most of the cords have connectors at each end that can be disassembled. I've found some of the connectors loose (screw terminal inside the connector) even on a new cable.After the above tips, I think you're down to playing detective with the trusty multi-meter.Fred

Might check the fuse. Mine located in rear compartment. I blew one once.

We spray the connectors with electronic contact cleaner regularly. Seems to work for us.

Go ahead and check the bulb,this is a prime opportunity for it to have burned out!!!!Murphys Law!!!

I would start by checking for voltage at the connector. If there is no voltage there, I would check the fuse for the right side of the TV. If the brake and tail lights on the right side are not working then I would check the ground on that light. JMO

Issues with Toad Pigtail | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

xctraveler
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
ncrowley wrote:
The connector between the coach and the toad worked loose so we reattached everything. We checked the continuity and it all looks good. However, the right turn signal is not working. Everything else is. Are there any hints about what we should look for?

Not sure which connector you mean. Was it the pigtail that came loose from the socket or did the socket come of the coach or car? After trying most everything in my history I have resolved this twice by opening the connectors on the ends of the pigtail and securing them and then either wrapping them with electrical tape (not much room to do a good job) or potting them in silicon so they cannot short. I secure the plug at the tow'd by using a velcro strip from the cord to the tow adapter. This reduces the pressure on the connection and prevents the socket from dragging on the road and being destroyed.
chastho
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
On my Freightliner chassis the fuse is the left rear compartment with the 50 amp cord. It is in a small black box with a black and grey wires going in the top of it There is a fuse for the right and left tail/ brake lights.
YC_1
Nomad
Nov 10, 2014
ncrowley wrote:
Thanks for all your inputs. The right light works with headlights and brake lights and the lights on the coach work. Doesn't that mean the fuse should be fine? We will try the prying open the pins and spraying with contact cleaner.

No. There are often separate fuses for the toad wires.

If you don't grab a meter or test light you are just grasping at straws. I especially recommend a test light working on lights because a voltmeter can fool you with a poor connection.
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
Probably each wire going to the toad is fused located in a rear compartment.

Jerry Parr
TexasH
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
Johno02 wrote:
We spray the connectors with electronic contact cleaner regularly. Seems to work for us.
tropical36
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
ncrowley wrote:
The connector between the coach and the toad worked loose so we reattached everything. We checked the continuity and it all looks good. However, the right turn signal is not working. Everything else is. Are there any hints about what we should look for?

Sounds as though you have and can use a meter, so firstly, is there intermittent voltage present at the receptacle on the coach for the R turn signal, before blaming it all on the umbilical cord? I assume that the R 4way is out as well?
ncrowley
Explorer II
Nov 10, 2014
Thanks for all your inputs. The right light works with headlights and brake lights and the lights on the coach work. Doesn't that mean the fuse should be fine? We will try the prying open the pins and spraying with contact cleaner.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Nov 10, 2014
T bone wrote:
Go ahead and check the bulb,this is a prime opportunity for it to have burned out!!!!Murphys Law!!!

x2
I've hunted down wire problems several times until I found out it was
just the tail light bulb connection just get corroded. These new bulb connections aren't your old 1157 screw in bulbs. Pull it out wipe it down and stick it back in and it will light before you start hunting down wires.
imgoin4it
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
I think Newmar uses relays for power to the two flights. If so you can probably find them in the passenger side compartment next to the rear wheels. It is a small electrical box and the relays are small square black plug with two pins. They are interchangeable so you can unplug one for the left light and try it in the other. This assumes you have a Sparten chassis and that this is the problem. If it is your problem you will probably have to order one from Spartan.
YC_1
Nomad
Nov 10, 2014
Sounds like a blown fuse on the RV. If wires were loose it is almost certain.

test light

Everyone should have one of these test lights. You can buy them at any automotive store. The diagram for the wiring are available online.

Wiring diagrams

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Issues with Toad Pigtail

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