bearwayne
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Re: Breakaway switch and brake lights
I did a little research this morning and now I understand why the breakaway switch does not connect to the brake lights. What I didn't realize is that the brake lights are controlled via the turn signal connections and is actually managed by the tow vehicle. I found a wiring diagram at ledtrailerlights.com that labeled those pins as "left/brake light" and "right/brake light" whereas the diagram that came with my new cable labeled those pins "left" and "right" which end helped confuse me! As for the compass test, how close to the wheel does the compas have to be? I just tried it and with the breakaway pin pulled, the needle was pulled from North to Easr-West when I placed the compass on the outside of the wheel in the well of the rim. Trouble is, it did the same thing with the pin back in place on the breakaway switch. So, I assume it was the effect of the magnets moving the needle and not the 12VDC flow.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Breakaway switch and brake lights
Thank you all for your replies! I will try the compass test and report back. I think I understand why the brakes don't hum with the breakaway switch activated vs the brake controller--DC vs. PCM. The brakes don't click because the wheels aren't moving. I'm not yet convinced about the brake lights but if the compass test shows the brakes are activated, I'll be happy! ;)1KViews0likes0CommentsBreakaway switch and brake lights
Yesterday, I replaced the cable that connects the 5th wheel to the 7 pin connector on the truck. Luckily, the cable I ordered used the same color scheme as the existing cable (I tested old and new cable with a multimeter) and after connecting everything, the tail lights, turn signals, brake lights and running lights all worked as they should. Then I decided to test the breakaway switch. I could not tell that anything happened when I pulled the pin. I checked the wire from the breakaway switch and I had voltage. Today, I tested it again after filing the contacts in the breakaway switch with a nail file. Again I had voltage (I think it was 12.5V), but the brake lights don't come on and I don't hear the brakes humming. I reattached the cable to the tow vehicle, and I can hear the brakes humming when the brake pedal is pressed as well as when the manual switch is pressed on the brake controller. Shouldn't the tail lights come on when the breakaway switch is tested? I suspect that not enough current is passing through the breakaway switch to activate the brakes and the brake lights (I don't have an ammeter to test it.) I have already ordered a new one from Amazon.4.7KViews0likes15CommentsRe: Freezing poop?
A composting toilet might be appropriate in this situation such as This (Nature's Head) or This (Air Head) which both require 12V for air circulation and venting. Alternately, there are composting toilets which use no power and basically consist of a seat with a bucket lined with a plastic bag. After each use, peat moss is placed on top of the waste. I haven't used any of these, but supposedly they don't smell and once full, the bag can be discarded, and a new one placed in the bucket. No water, no freezing. With the first two, you would need to prevent the urine from freezing, perhaps by emptying the jug when leaving each morning.584Views0likes0CommentsRe: tech podcast Pink Flamingo RV Radio
I listened to the first episode today. It was well-produced. It's based in Las Vegas and it sounds as though it's going to be Vegas-centric which does not interest me at all. They promise to discuss vintage campers frequently which might be interesting. I'll have to listen to another episode or two to decide whether I'm a fan.281Views0likes0CommentsRe: Using Atwood 1H2C Thermostat with Dometic A/C ??
I'm glad you got your thermostat working! I'm curious though--did you end up using the +7.5 or Gnd?i think it's good to provide those details for folks who find this thread in the future. I wonder if Clarinet got his thermostat working.986Views0likes0CommentsRe: Using Atwood 1H2C Thermostat with Dometic A/C ??
The Hunter was difficult to use. It would take several presses on the screen to change settings. The worse thing is that on multiple occasions, it turned on the heat continuously even though the thermostat was set to "System Off"! The reviews for the Hunter on Amazon are pretty bad! I like that the Lux has an adjustable temp swing. I was looking on their website to see if it did. My Honeywell does not as far as I know. I like a temp swing of +/- 1degree F. Otherwise, I notice wider swings.986Views0likes0Comments
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