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Gearheart · 07-07-2014, 07:13 AM

I have a round plug on my 73 argosy. I can see only 6 connectors in a circle surrounding a centre pin. there does not seem to be a connection / conductor on the centre pin. I figure the 6 essentials would be: power, ground, running/clearance, left turn, right turn, and brakes. A 7th would be reversing i.e. backup lights. There are no clear lenses on the back to denote b/u lighting. Did the Argosy have back up[ lights in '73? With the alignment lug at 12:00 The 6 sockets are at 1,3,5,7,9 and 11:00. Can anyone tell me what function each of those connectors is for?

TG Twinkie · 07-07-2014, 08:30 AM

If your coach is wired the way it was originally. You will have to relocate the wires in the male plug ( trailer) to match your TV.
You can use a battery charger to test each circuit on the coach. Just connect the black lead of the charger to a clean spot on the frame. Then use the red lead to power each pin of the plug separately. Look for what comes on.
If you have knowledge on how to use a VOM you can test the charge line as well.
There are Internet sources showing the modern pin out (wiring) of the plug. Etrailer has pics on their website.
I'm sure someone here will post the info as well.

DryFly · 07-07-2014, 08:41 AM

Here's the setup from my Argosy. It does have back up lights.

Gearheart · 07-07-2014, 10:18 AM

What is confusing me is that although there seems to be a bulb at the back that would serve as back up, the lens cover is red over the bulb rather than clear.

idroba · 07-07-2014, 10:26 AM

My '74 Argosy had backup lights originally (I eliminated them when I went to LED lights). The lens cover for the '72, 3 and 4's were somewhat unique and someone may have replaced them on your rig with a non original one.

Gearheart · 07-07-2014, 03:29 PM

Once I verify that they are indeed backup lights I will cut the lenses and install clear diamond lexan over the bulbs. used to work in plastic fabrication.

Bex · 07-10-2014, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idroba

My '74 Argosy had backup lights originally (I eliminated them when I went to LED lights). The lens cover for the '72, 3 and 4's were somewhat unique and someone may have replaced them on your rig with a non original one.

I think thats what has happened.
The rear on mine has a clear center piece that acts as the reversing light and the outside is reflector.

Gearheart · 07-10-2014, 07:50 PM

One non original lens and one installed upside down. Goes a long way towards confusing a poor newby. If I can't find the right lens then I will have to modify the one I have. Knowing where you're at helps in figuring out a plan to get to where you want to be.

Gearheart · 07-20-2014, 07:43 PM

@ DryFly Thanks for the drawing. My trailer plug is badly corroded and miswired according to my new TV socket. Stepping on the brakes lights up the park / clearance lights. Oh well, time and money will overcome this obstacle too.

DryFly · 07-20-2014, 10:23 PM

Fortunately, the 7 pin connector is readily available from most auto parts stores and only runs around $10, + or -. Generally one of the least expensive and easiest fixes available for your AS.

Gearheart · 07-21-2014, 08:09 PM

Got 'er done today. As you said a $10 part.

MIKO92 · 07-22-2014, 12:38 AM

Hello,
I am intrigued by the discussion, and grateful for the shared experiences from all involved! I was wondering if anyone has installed a Prodigy 2 brake controller (with the plug-in GMC harness from Campingworld.com) for a 1999 Yukon? My Minuet is still in the shop, so am trying to get the TV (tow vehicle..not a television, I discovered) ready for its return. Any help or advice is appreciated.

Savage68 · 07-22-2014, 08:34 AM

I confirmed that my TV was correct, hooked it to LaTortuga and everything works, except the BU lights are on full and the elec brakes do not work.
Oh, those pesky PO's! Never assume anything on previously owned.

Gearheart · 07-22-2014, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savage68

I confirmed that my TV was correct, hooked it to LaTortuga and everything works, except the BU lights are on full and the elec brakes do not work.
Oh, those pesky PO's! Never assume anything on previously owned.

PO's are notorious for having followed a train of thought that leads to strange places when trying to figure out what they did and why. Same goes for homes and cars, not just RV's.

Savage68 · 07-22-2014, 02:32 PM

Taking the trailer end backshell apart was worth the effort. The wires are very heavy duty and as such are difficult to work.
There were several "whiskers", stray strands that were in danger of shorting or breaking off.
I cut back for fresh wire, crimped spade connectors on minus the plastic covers, which I removed.
Reinstalled the wires per the correct color scheme and voila, it works.

Gosman · 08-09-2014, 04:10 PM

Need help I put a new plug 7 way on the 1975 Argosy -- followed the diagram as posted and all was working.
shut down the truck and went back to see how my new tail lamp was working and now my lights will only run my left turn .
Were did I go wrong??? All was working never touched the plug any ideas??
Need help what happen all was working just fine and this,
please help will wait to hear.

arktos55343 · 08-09-2014, 04:33 PM

Perhaps your 7 pin wiring is not compatible with your tow vehicle plug. Use a 12v tester to map and test the connections on the tow vehicle...then you will know if you wired the 7 pin correctly.

TG Twinkie · 08-09-2014, 05:28 PM

Does everything work right when you start the truck?

featherbedder · 08-09-2014, 05:41 PM

AS in 70s did not use standard wiring in 7 pin plug that is standard for vehicles. Sounds like you used diagram that came with new plug, if so many of us have correct wiring for plug.

Gosman · 08-10-2014, 06:54 AM

Yes once I put all the wires in the new 7 way plug and put it to the truck every thing worked perfect.
Went back some time later to see it lite at night did not work ; think I now have a blown fuse in my truck.
were did I go wrong in this hook up? ???? Need help work perfect once and now fuse blown
Help please