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RichHog · 03-31-2011, 09:07 PM

So at a recent rally everybody had a plug connector that keeps the running lights on when connected to shore power. Not sure which 2 pins connect together on the 7 pin umbilical connector. Bought a trailer connector Male plug and can't tell looking at it is which one when removed from the housing. So am wondering which 2 pins connect together to keep the running lights on? Don't see any numbering on this connector so a photo or graphic would help, or clear description. Thanks

ROBERTSUNRUS · 03-31-2011, 09:20 PM

Hi, if someone posts a picture or link of a seven pin connector you will able to see which pins to use. People have used wire, flashers, and what-have-you to do this. I built two control units for this purpose. The first one is more like an expensive toy and the second one is more for use during a roadside emergency.

Airslide · 03-31-2011, 09:51 PM

The 7-way connector is also Known as a "Bargman Connector" Used Mainly on House Trailers and Now as OEM Plugs on Current Model Pick-up Trucks.
CAR END/TRAILER END

4RXLA · 03-31-2011, 09:58 PM

I want one!!!

JFScheck · 03-31-2011, 10:42 PM

Here - you can purchase this for 20.00 bucks from RVGlow and you will be set to glow...

Man, I crack myself up...

Jim Foster · 03-31-2011, 10:45 PM

If you refer to Airslide's post, connecting terminals #4 and #5 will turn on your running lights.

I slightly bent the connectors on a flasher to slide right into the plug on the trailer. It will cause the running lights to flash. I keep the flasher handy so that if I ever have to unhook and leave the trailer along the side of the road at night, it can be seen. Never have had to do that, but nice to know that I can.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 03-31-2011, 10:58 PM

Hi, on my simple unit, it only has one switch and it is only an On-Off switch. I connected an in-line fuse holder with a 20 Amp [Yellow] fuse to the Black/battery pin. The other end of the in-line fuse holder was connected to one of the wires on the toggle switch. The other wire on the toggle switch was connected to one side of my flasher unit. Then I connected the Brown Green and Red wires together at the other pin on my flasher unit. So when the switch is in the on position, all of the running lights and all of the brake lights flash.

**moosetags** · 03-31-2011, 10:59 PM

The easiest way is to take a spare 10 or 20 amp automotive fuse and stick it in the two connectors on either side of the key notch on the trailer's umbilical. This will burn your running lights and give you a protected circuit for virtually no cost.

Brian

JFScheck · 04-01-2011, 08:00 AM

That's a great (easy and inexpensive) solution - but I'm such a paranoid wimp (and too lazy to build one) that the $20.00 "RVGlow" product will put me in the comfort zone for those times that I want the running lights illuminated on the Airstream and it might be raining outside...

RichHog · 04-01-2011, 09:02 AM

Thanks guys for the postings. Didn't find a thread on this so started a new one.
Love the idea of the toggle switch!

3 Dog Nite · 04-01-2011, 09:08 AM

Having one is cool if used at dusk through early evening. Keeping it on all night is really annoying to your neighbor when the lights light up the bedroom. We like to sleep with windows & curtains open (weather permitting). Please be considerate when using one of these.
Ricky

pmclemore · 04-01-2011, 10:43 AM

I use a wire bent in a horseshoe shape and stick the ends into the umbilical at the 11 and 1 0'clock positions. But looking at Airslide's diagram, I don't see how it is possible that mine work. But they do....

Pat

Jammer · 04-01-2011, 10:49 AM

I put a switch inside to perform the same function. It is particularly useful to turn on the running lights in bad weather (so people can find the trailer) when digging around the tool compartment and hooking things up to the umbilical is no fun.

B25guy · 04-01-2011, 10:50 AM

I use a 30A fuse holder stuck into the slots on either side of the notch for steady on or a heavy duty flasher with the blades slightly tweaked for flashing.

I don't think Airslide's pic is correct either???

RLS · 04-01-2011, 11:22 AM

Here is what the manual has:

crispyboy · 04-01-2011, 11:35 AM

I like that box that robertsunrus made up. I currently use a spare vehicle side connector with a wire inside connected to the proper terminals. If I recall correctly I believe a fuse is not needed as the running lights are on a circuit breaker already.
Robertsunrus gave me an idea to make up a box with a switch for the backup lights so I can have a little more light around the back of trailer if needed.

Michigander · 04-01-2011, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3 Dog Nite

Having one is cool if used at dusk through early evening. Keeping it on all night is really annoying to your neighbor when the lights light up the bedroom. We like to sleep with windows & curtains open (weather permitting). Please be considerate when using one of these.
Ricky

I agree with you , Ricky. Light pollution is a drag. It reminds me of once when a big monster new 5th wheel was parked near us. The owners were so proud of their unit that they had every outside light on all night long. Many of them were big bright white ones. So much for the stars and relaxing time by the campfire.

On the other hand, I can appreciate the safety benefit if pulled over on the side of the road, etc.

mello mike · 04-01-2011, 01:02 PM

The connector positions that allow you to run your running lights while parked are at the 11 and 1 O'clock positions.

tkasten · 04-01-2011, 03:18 PM

After reading this thread I went out and put a jumper in my 7 way. The tail lights come on but only the rear window awning side lights up. The other rear and both front light don't come on. I checked all the bulbs and checked with my meter. No juice in 3 of the marker lights. Any thoughts?

TBRich · 04-01-2011, 03:39 PM

We got this a couple of years ago...plug your umbilical cord into it and it allows you to have all the lights on continuously, or have all the running lights on with the tail lights flashing... Handy in emergency situations... But we use it for "party lights" when we have them on in a campground... (We don't leave them on all night so as not to disturb neighbors)... They are also handy if someone is coming to visit you in a campground... We tell them to look for the Airstream with the running lights on...

Unfortunately, they company that made them went belly up and they are no longer sold.