We are in the final stages of getting our unit on the road. My husband was hooking up the lights and brakes - he had to run the wiring for the truck as there wasn't a towing package on it. But we have hit a snag.
When we brought this home all we had working was the clearance/running lights. When he started yesterday it was the same thing; after some cleaning and removal of the rear lens caps we found a few bulbs gone. He was short of bulbs but used a couple he had and we had all the lights on and working except for the very outside running lights at the rear brake/turn/running light section. He went and bought new bulbs and put them all in. He also replaced the three front clearance lights.
He then wired up those two outside rear lights to the rear running lights since some PO had cut the wires to them (green wire) and then nothing worked. He went back and disconnected those two lights and we still had nothing. Hmm. With some messing around we finally got the clearance lights and the back up lights to work but when we put the left turn signal on all four lights flash. When we put the right turn on it works normally.
We are not finding any juice now on the red wire for the left turn signal, but when doing a continuity check from this wire to the front it is fine.
Additionally, when we put the working turn light on the tow vehicles turn lights dim.
After reading on this forum I personally went and checked to be sure that the bulbs were the correct ones and in the correct places. If my husband has them right - with single filament in four places and only double filaments at the turn signals.
Summer is almost gone, and I am so close to getting this on the road, but we have now lost almost all weekend and still are no further with the light situation.
I am all ears for some help.
If you don't already have one, I would suggest you purchase the service manual for your year Airstream.
It covers many subjects as well as detailed wiring diagrams, including the wire colors.
Helps second guessing with everything about the trailer.
Wow, that's pretty weird. You know what ? I would head for an expert at this point. You need an experienced RV technician to sort this out. Doesn't have to be an Airstream person, as these systems are more or less the same in all RV's.
I would still start at the truck, check ALL the connections. You will need to take the plugs apart, yes even if they are new, to see that they are OK. Then you need to do the same, checking continuity on each circuit all the way back to the trailer. Your running lights should not be on the same circuit as your battery, but your battery does get charged by the Tow vehicle. The wire colors previously described are the same as my '73.
I doubt the problem is in the walls unless there has been damage or a major leak.
Another thought, make sure the ground on the tow to trailer is correct, one of those connections should be ground.
Finally, take a short piece of wire, strip both ends, and go between the socket and the metal back of the light, or even the housing.
Everything is connected and working fine and the inspection is tomorrow AM.
mustang - I will be sure and let you know what happens.
Andy - we actually do have the manual, and you're right, it is invaluable and we would never have gotten anything done without it.
But, for when something does not go the way you thought, nothing beats this forum!
We went to East Harbor State Park and despite it raining almost non-stop from the time we arrived until the beautiful sunny Sunday morning that we left, yes, we had a great time.
It was out first time to meet other AS'ers and just like in the forums they were a gracious, friendly, and helpful group. Even though we came virtually empty handed we were treated to a wiener roast Friday night and a smorgasbord of food at the pot luck on Sat. night.
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