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Bglov's avatar
Bglov
Explorer
Jan 28, 2016

Towing Electric Cord Damage

I have a slight slice in my tow cord electice cable from a pinch that happened while towing. The wires look to be in tact but my brake lights are not working though the other lights do. Do I need to replace this cord and how involved is that?
  • First things first. Is this a motorhome, travel trailer, 5th wheel?
  • Double Post:

    Pretty easy to replace, just follow it back to the junction box. All/most of the splices should be made there. You may have to remove a portion of the underbelly to gain access. You can also splice any broken wires where it was damaged. I would replace the cord. When the damage was done you may have blown a fuse or two in the tow vehicle if the wires grounded or arced when damaged resulting in the lights not working.
  • I would check for blown fuse in TV.
    Look in owner's manual for location of trailer towing fuses.
  • I'd just slice open the umbilical, make a repair and tape it back up.
  • TucsonJim wrote:
    I'd just slice open the umbilical, make a repair and tape it back up.


    This^
    So long as you aren't worried about it being pretty.

    If you think it may happen again, you may want to consider one of these: Conntek 10110-048BX Overall 4FT 7-Way Plug Inline Trailer Cord with 7-Gang Junction Box.

    It will make cord replacement much easier.
  • Bglov wrote:
    I have a slight slice in my tow cord electice cable from a pinch that happened while towing. The wires look to be in tact but my brake lights are not working though the other lights do. Do I need to replace this cord and how involved is that?


    If the wires are intact in the umbilical I'd look to see if something got pulled loose in the junction box.
  • petrel wrote:
    TucsonJim wrote:
    I'd just slice open the umbilical, make a repair and tape it back up.


    This^
    So long as you aren't worried about it being pretty.

    If you think it may happen again, you may want to consider one of these: Conntek 10110-048BX Overall 4FT 7-Way Plug Inline Trailer Cord with 7-Gang Junction Box.

    It will make cord replacement much easier.


    That's a pretty nifty junction box, but you can just buy the box and an 8' Bargman cord for cheaper and then not have to worry if only a 4' cord will be long enough.

    Larry

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