Towing a 2008 1500 behind motor home, issues!

[jtwcummins]

My neighbor has a 2008 Dodge 1500QC 4x4. He had a Roadmaster hitch setup on his motor home to 'toad' the Ram. Motor home is a diesel Monaco and has air brakes. Only 4 wires go to the lighting on the Ram from the MH. Air line setup works but...



When the Ram is connected to the MH the brake lites on the Ram work a couple of times then lock on. They stay on until the Ram is disconnected from the MH and started and brakes applied. The RAM brake lites lock up faster if the MH headlites or any flasher is used. He has been back to the installer, Camping World, and their comment is to get a different truck, it's the Rams electrics. This is about the time the CW tech that made that statement would need a rectal hitchectemy, but neighbor is nice guy.



It sounds like relay or diodes are needed. And yes, the RAM is setup to tow per the owners manual, xfer in neutral etc.

Any ideas???

 

[Hoefler]

Is the ignition on when he is towing it?? If it is, the ABS may be trying to activate thinking some thing is not right when the brake lights come on. Try towing it with out the lights hooked up, to see if it is the Ram or the wiring to it.

 

[DennyDay]

I believe he is going to have to put diodes in the brake/turnsignal/tail light circuits or use separate lights on the back of the pickup - - as far a CW is concerned - - just one of the CW sites places that doesn't know what they are doing - - - some day I'll start a rant about CWorld - - but until then Screw 'em.





Denny

 

[Hoefler]

I agree Camping World is a good place to get things messed up. I know a light bar is a pain,but it keeps the lights from going hay wire. I belive the problem is in the fact that the computer controls the lights by appling a ground to the selected light. The other way out is disconect the tail lights when you hook-up to tow and connect you motorhome to the lights. Not easy but can be done

 

[DennyDay]

Hey jtwcummins- - - Just had a thought - - - why not put a flat 4 wire connector in line between the harness at the rear of the truck and the tail lights and a four wire lead to run up to the front of the 1500, then when you are towing the P/U plug in the wire to the front, and plug into the MH and when you are driving the P/U just plug it into the harness plug. Simple to put together and simple to change over. If you forget to put it to the truck harness, the horn, flashers and every thing else will let you know!!!



Denny

 

[AClayton]

Typically what is done when you have a truck or SUV that has the computer controls and hardware controlling lighting and other functions is to totally isolate the towed vehicle electrical system. Blue Ox has a lighting harness that isolates the truck harness all together and uses light sockets that are placed in the taillight bezel. The harness from there travels up front to the plug... . the MH trailer harness is then connected via an umbilical cord to the towed vehicle. This method is the preferred choice of tailight wiring with the newest of vehicles that have sensitive electronics. The diode method was used for many years and still is,but expensive SUV's and now... . average vehicles,carry the more diverse electronics. BTW... . the kit is all basic do-it-yourself and very inexpensive..... RV Dealers and CW are just huge rip-offs waiting for their next prey. Many other companies manufacture these also,but Blue Ox... . to me ... has the best kit and most complete..... retails around $70. 00 bucks and you can get on-line and order through Blue Ox Products Home Page Or locate a dealer near you and purchase direct.







According to my Blue OX price sheet... . A 2008 Ram should be wired with these anyway

The number is BX1869



Hope this helps..... any questions? call 410-598-3314 I am a Dealer.

 

[jelag]

A few other issues... .

1 - some transfer cases will not lube the bearings when the case is in "N" and the engine is not running..... on these boxes you'll destroy the case... . on our 3500's they have a pump that pumps the oil in the case and the pump will run when the case is in "N" but that might not be the case on the 1500's..... check your owners manual... .

2 - on some trucks with the turn signal switch in the normal "off" position there is a connection between the left and right turn signal light... . when it functions as a brake light... .

One of the guys above mentioned a kit from camping world... that will work... but most cost effective method is the diode suggestion... . diodes are one way valves to electricity..... then let electricity pass in one direction... . if you put a diode in front your connection to the tail light and turn signal bulb, no current can flow back to the turn signal switch or the control computer that runs this whole show. . these diodes should be available at radio shack for a couple of bucks each...

Hope this help... .