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When I picked up my "new to me" AS the PO had wired the pigtail with the newer "common" plug (7 pin plug with the flat connectors in the round Plug). What he didn't know was that the "old" 7 pin plug with the round connectors isn't wired the same as the "new plug". So when I plugged the AS into my Pick-up funny things happened. With the truck turned off I plugged the AS into the truck. As soon as I did that the truck running lights came on, as well as the back up lights. I rewired the plug to what I think is the right format, but can't get all of the componets to work. I currently have only turn signals, brake lights, and back-up lights. I don't have running lights, running tail lights, electric brakes, or the acc. power. I have looked at the trailer service guide and it shows that after the wires come off the pigtial they have a fuse (box???) in them. 15 amp I think. I cannot locate these fuses (box???). Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm started to get frustrated and don't want to have to spend the $$$ to take it to the garage to find the problem. Goodness knows that I need the $$$ for all the other repairs that the trailer needs.
What you describe is a common experience as Airstream used its own wiring schematic for the Bargman connectors durign the Vintage years. Both of my Vintage coaches required rewiring to the modern standard as utilized on my tow vehicles. The link below will take you to the wiring schematic that was originally used on the 1975 Airstreams:
I found it helpful to note the color/fuction relationship of each wire as they are not the same as the relationships that are currently used. The current wiring schematic that is nearly universally accepted can be found at:
To aid in resolving the issues before connecting to the tow vehicle, I utilized a 12-volt garden tractor battery with a set of heavy duty alligator clips to test each of the wires in the trailer's umbilical cord bundle to verify that it performed the function noted in the Airstream diagram - - in my case, the umbilical wires matched the functions described in the Airstream wiring diagrams.
If you still have difficulty after verifying that both your tow vehicle and coach have the same wiring schematic for the plugs, there are other places that you can check. The following are some typical observations:
1.) Clearance marker lights on the Vintage coaches can be temperamental. It is typically a ground. Repair often involves removing each individual marker light, cleaning the mounting surfaces and terminals, resealing/reinstalling.
2.) If turns signals/brake lights are an issue, the first course is to check the bulbs and cleanliness of contacts - - if corroded, clean contacts and replace bulbs if necessary. If the lights are still a problem, a reported source of difficulty is the junction box for the umbilical cord wiring (usually located just behind the curbside hitch "A"-frame in the bellypan - - it is usually covered by a square or rectangular panel held by either rivets of screws) - - cleaning the splices and re-weatherproofing is the usual repair.
3.) If the electric trailer brakes are an issue (do not operate), there are several potential issues. If the coach has been stored where it may have been exposed to overgrow weeds, it may have one or more wires in the brake system that have been broken. I know that this can become an issue from as little as 90-days parked in a field with wild ivys that twined themselves around the brake wires and snapped a couple when the trailer was pulled out of its storage area. Another potential problem is that if the breakaway cable were pulled and left detached for any length of time, the brake magnets may be been burned-out causing inoperable brakes.
Good luck with your troubleshooting!
Kevin
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Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
Thanks for all of the info, I will definately be researching some of these issues. I have found some new information on the problem. I went to a local trailer supplier and was asking them their opinion on the problem when the service manager asked if I had the truck with me. I told him I did. He brought out a tester and tested the output at the connection at the rear of the truck. No reading for tail/clearance lights, or 12 volt acc.. It was all working the last time I towed my 1996 Sunline (2 weeks before buying the AS). I'm assuming that when I plugged the AS into the truck with the botched wiring job by the PO it blew something. The tow vehicle is a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel. I looked under the hood in the fuse block and there is one 40 amp fuse that is marked "trailer", it's good. There is also a relay there, could this be bad? What would cause one thing to work and not another. I have also searched for the fuses for the "trailer lighting/brakes functions" but could not find them. I have the service book and it shows them, but I can't find them. Is this what is located under the front underbelly? I know the clearance lights work because they were working when they wern't supposed to (PO's awesome wiring job). Thanks again for all the help.
Seven or nine pin round terminals = aircraft type plated terminals = peace of mind = no cleaning necessary = doesn't corrode = works every time.
Six or seven pin flat terminals = cheap connector = cheap unplated terminals = lots of gray hair = carry WD-40, small wire brush and beer, (to help with the patience) = works when it wants to, sometimes, as one grain of sand will open a circuit = always corrodes.
Seven or nine pin round terminals = aircraft type plated terminals = peace of mind = no cleaning necessary = doesn't corrode = works every time.
good point andy!
on the flipside, i like the flat 7 pin connector. if sprayed with lps 2 or an equivilent they seem to be mostly trouble free.
the thing i like about the seven pin connector wired to the general motors standard is that every one and their brother has one now!
if a person breaks down, the chances of the "rescue" vehicle being wired the same are pretty good. in my circle of family and friends i can think of eight vehicles that would be just a phone call away with exactly the same wiring as my silverado. (and yes i would supply the beer! )
a little piece of mind in exchange for a minor inconvienance of a lesser connector.
john
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you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
On the flip flip side, having a connector that everyone else has, makes it that much easier, for someone to very easily, hook up, plug in, and away they go with your trailer..............
Having a superior connector, that is not that common, adds a problem for someone that wants to steal your trailer.
If and when they tow it, with no lights, brakes, etc, some cop may see that, and pull them over.
Should someone have a breakdown, not a problem. That's what AAA is for.
So far, the advantages of the round terminals, far out weighs the flat terminals, without exception.
Should someone have a breakdown, not a problem. That's what AAA is for.
Andy
We don't all want to depend on AAA or Good Sams. I wouldn't use a round terminal connector unless I also carried a flat-to-round adapter. Just for the issues John mentions.
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There's a fine line between a hobby and a mental illness.
I finally had time to dig in and find the problem. I'm not sure that one thing solved the problem, but most likely a combination of several things. I rewired the plug AGAIN. Cleaned all of the terminals. Put electrical grease on them. Located the interior access panel to the trailer end of the pigtail, and removed the connections and cleaned them. The ground was quite corroded so I think this was probably the bigest issue. Cut out and spliced a wire with a small amount of bare wire showing, and then hook it all back up. Bingo. Everything works, with the exception of a half dozen bulbs. I plan to replace most, if not all, of the clearance lamps. They are quite brittle from age. I'm certainly glad to have one thing checked off of the list.
I love the idea of the battery but in my 74 the sockets themselfs were in bad shape. I ended up having to do a continuity check with each wire. It was a several hour affair, by myself, but it got the job done. WD-40 is a good lube and protector just don't pick up the clear lacquer by mistake like I did.
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Keep the shiny side up. WBCCI # 3485 Region 3 2nd VP
Past President Tidewater Unit 111
visit tidewater Virginia's web page @ www.tidewaterwbcci.com
Rick Bell in "Silverbell"
at the flip up cover on the female side of the connector (the side on your TV) you will see a wiring diagram printed right into the plastic. I had to get down on my knees and put my reading glasses on to see it but it helped a lot getting things sorted out when I discovered it.
The round 7-pin is definitely superior to the flat7-pin. I speak from experience.
The flat is 20A rated, where the round is 30A, sometimes 35A rated. That's a 33% increase in amperage.
For those the have 12V fridges and electric/hydraulic brakes, the 7-pin round is a must have.
It is still a good idea to carry an adapter from 7-pin flat to 7-pin round, in case someone with a standard connector ( which sadly is a 7-pin flat) needs to rescue you.
The round 7-pin is definitely superior to the flat7-pin. I speak from experience.
The flat is 20A rated, where the round is 30A, sometimes 35A rated. That's a 33% increase in amperage.
For those the have 12V fridges and electric/hydraulic brakes, the 7-pin round is a must have.
It is still a good idea to carry an adapter from 7-pin flat to 7-pin round, in case someone with a standard connector ( which sadly is a 7-pin flat) needs to rescue you.
Interesting enough, the Airstream store at the International was selling the round pin connectors, but I did not see any flat pin connectors.
Bill
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Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
my new to me f 250 has the 7 pin blade type connector, my new to me 78 AS has the bigger round connector....can't seem to find the pieces to make an umbilical yet, tried etrailer, Grainger, Northern Tool and other sites....and ideas?
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Rallys twice a year..Lots of fun, food, and aluminum.
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