Wiring problems

Michael W · 01-18-2003, 12:08 AM

Just recently became an airstream traveltrailer user. There so many questions that I need to know before I use this 1976 26' Argosy. When I bought her it took two days just to get the signals and lights to work. I do have a question about the charging of the battery while towing. My 1990 std. Chevy PU did not have a trailer 7 pin plug that uhaul installed. They did not run a wire from the alternator to the plug. Where could I find out how to do this and does this line need to be fused. What gauge wire. etc. Thanks to all that answer..

**john hd** · 01-18-2003, 05:05 AM

mike,

welcome to the forum! you are at the right spot for questions.

you will need 10 gauge wire, with at least a 30 amp fuse in line.

on your chevy's passenger side fire wall there should be a terminal for accessory power. it should be under the plastic cover that houses the fuel pump relay etc.

if you have a service manual for your truck it will be pictured there.

if you do not, someone here will!

john

**john hd** · 01-18-2003, 05:09 AM

mike

this site may help too.

mark's rv

john

John · 01-18-2003, 07:29 AM

Big J,

Thanks! You just answered a question that I had.

My buddy is installing my Jordan brake controller on Tuesday and I noticed that the guy who installed my receiver and the 7-way plug, ran a 10awg wire to my 30A fuse panel. My truck was prewired, but not for a 7-way plug(so he added 1 wire). I thought that the wire he was adding, was for my trailer brakes, but if I'm understanding this link, he ran the 10awg for my trailer battery charging.

If I'm wrong, please let me know.

Also, does Chevy put a 20A auto-reset CB inline for the trailer brakes?

John

**john hd** · 01-18-2003, 08:01 AM

john

you are correct, as for the circuit breaker that is user installed.

my '00 silverado has a 30 amp mega fuse for the binders.

john

John · 01-18-2003, 09:28 AM

My truck came prewired, but not for a 7-way plug.

A 10awg wire was added and I believe it was added for the charging system, correct?

Since it came wired for the trailer brakes from the factory, how can I tell where the brake control wire is terminated at on the truck?

I want to see is there is a auto-reset CB is inline or if they did used a fuse, what amp is it?

I don't want to sound like an idiot, I'm just learning how the truck is wired.

Thanks for any and all help on these questions-John

**john hd** · 01-18-2003, 10:18 AM

john

since your truck is prewired, the brake(blue) wire should terminate at the convienence center that you plugged your brake controller into.

you also would have a 30 amp fuse in the box on your drivers side wheel well under the hood.

john

**john hd** · 01-18-2003, 10:45 AM

john

this should clear it up....

john

John · 01-18-2003, 03:03 PM

John,

I'm looking at the manual and my truck came with the Basic trailer wiring package, a 6 wire harness.

As I was a total novice(didn't even have the trailer yet) the guy ran the wires to that 30A fuse that you have the arrow pointing to.

He ran 2 wires from the plug up underneath to under the hood. What I now don't know is how he terminated them.

This is my mystery. Again my buddy, who's a good Chevy mechanic, is coming by Tuesday to install the Jordan brake controller and he's also going to add the 20A auto-reset CB.

I'm just trying to understand how it's all wired. If you're able to explain, great, if not I'll find out on Tuesday.

Tks-John

**john hd** · 01-18-2003, 03:25 PM

your mechanic ran both the charge line and the brake line to the same fuse.

that is fine. as a matter of fact you may not need the circuit breaker at all.

john

John · 01-18-2003, 03:44 PM

John,

The installer ran them up to the 30A fuse and told me to carry extra fuses just in case, which I have.

I just thought that while my buddy was here, he could add the 20A auto-reset CB, but if it truly isn't needed, I may not mess with it.

I drove over 8K miles this last yr with no problems!

Mac

Gene Wissink · 01-19-2003, 08:14 AM

When I set up our Suburban we put in circuit breakers on both lines and put in a heavy duty starter contactor wired to a key on source so it would drop out the charge line so we can stop overnight at Walmart without fear of running the tow battery down.

John · 01-19-2003, 08:34 AM

Gene,

Good thought there! As I try to remember to unplug the trailer cord at night when just sleeping over, this is a nice safety valve for those laps of brain function.

John

**john hd** · 01-19-2003, 09:01 AM

gene

thats is a good idea!

i already have a similar set up, i got the snow plow prep package with my truck.

that included the jumbo alt. and a second battery and a soleniod.

i can run that battery right down to nothing and still start the truck.

and i don't have to worry about unpugging or replugging anything.

john