Trailer plug question

[Boonieman]

I know maybe this belongs in the towing forum, but it's a quick question. On the trailer wiring harness factory plug on my truck, the running light pin has no power. Do any of you know offhand if the pin is fused separately, or does it simply feed off the truck running light harness? The truck running lights work. Thanks.

 

[LesStallings]

I've just spent a lot of time wiring an "in-bed" seven pin plug, duplicating the plug on the bumper.



On my 04, the running light pin definitely has power when the truck lights are on.



I can't help you with fuses but I do believe you should have power at that pin.

 

[klenger]

I have wiring diagrams for the 2004 trailer harness at http://www.klenger.net/dodge/7-pin-connector-installation/index.html, but I don't know if it applies to the 03 or not.

 

[Boonieman]

Klenger-

Yes, the wiring diagram you have is the same as my truck, as far as the pin positions go, not sure yet on the wire colors. Thanks for sending it. I ended up today switching the wires inside the male plug so that the battery charge pin goes to the trailer running lights. I did that as a temporary measure so I would have running lights on the trailer when I get off work this morning because it will still be dark. This means as soon as I plug the harness in, the running lights come on. No biggie as long as I don't forget to unplug the harness tomorrow when I get where I'm going so I don't run the battery down. I just thought maybe somebody would know before I pull the factory plug off the truck and start hunting for the problem. I seem to remember somewhere along the line that normally trailer plugs are wired separatley so that if you get a short on a trailer, such as putting a boat in the water, it won't short out the vehicle wiring. But I may have just dreamed that up in my own mind. Thanks again. Looks like I'll just have to spend some time learning more than I wanted to about how this puppy is wired. up. Ha!

 

[Cattletrkr]

Yes, I believe the trailer is fused separate. Not sure, I'd have to go out and check. Look on your fuse box cover, it'll be there.



Edit: Just went out and pulled the cover. These are all for the trlr.



19-battery

33-Park lamps

46-left lamps

47-right lamps



I would guess 33 is the one you want. Mine is an '04. 5, so it might be different though.

 

[JeepinDoug]

Klenger, I'm assuming the battery charge pin is for trailers with electric brakes that have the break-away (sorry, can't remember the name) system.

Is this battery charge pin regulated for amps? In other words could it be used to trickle a full size battery for a trailer winch?

TIA, Doug

 

[Cattletrkr]

Doug



The breakaway systems of which you speak have an inline trickle charger. the "Hot" wire is not hooked up direct. I'm not sure if they will work with other batteries. Check with Napa or a trlr supply store, they should know.

 

[Boonieman]

Cattletrkr-

That was the answer I was looking for. I didn't consider the plug being fused separately until I was on my way to work. Appreciate you taking the time to look.

Danny

 

[jrobinson2]

On my '99 the relay that runs the trailer tail/marker lights wont close unless the ignition is on, When trouble shooting you need to have both the lights and ignition on to get trailer lights.



Jared

 

[CMcDonald]

I just added the seven pin wiring harness to mine. It was easy. The wiring harness has a fuse on it. It is up near the battery on the drivers side. Check there.

 

[rashwor]

The trailer lights are fused separately on my '05. I know this because I have no fire to the left tail / turn signal in the factory 7 pin plug. Replace the fuse, it works for a little while and then blows it again... without ever having hooked up a trailer or plugged anything into the plug. I gotta get to the dealer before I get a ticket. :-{}

 

[TCDiesel]

You Need a circuit Breaker Fuse. I don"t known why lots of trucks Have this Problem many Hours searching for it and never find it. The 20 amp circuit breaker fuse works great. with no Problems.

The trailer lights are fused separately on my '05. I know this because I have no fire to the left tail / turn signal in the factory 7 pin plug. Replace the fuse, it works for a little while and then blows it again... without ever having hooked up a trailer or plugged anything into the plug. I gotta get to the dealer before I get a ticket. :-{}

 

[rashwor]

TWest

Have you done the circuit breaker thing? How would I wire it in?



One for each separate fuse?

 

[TCDiesel]

Remove # 46 03/4. 5 ,I have Not done a 05 so I don"t know if it is # 46. The Breaker cost about $10. 00 at Napa.

 

[Cattletrkr]

I hope this makes sense

My livestock trailer has four tailights/turn signals, two on each side. I have two of the taillights hooked up to the factory light switch and two hooked up to a switch that I added on. The rest of the trailer clearance lights are hooked up to the aux. switch as well. that way if I loose trailer lights, I can still make it home almost legally, but definently safely. The switch that I wired in is run through a braker. Never had any troubles on this setup, had it on both my trucks. This requires the trailer to be wired differently from any other, but you should be able to make it work on any trailer, just gotta think about it for a minute.

 

[rashwor]

Twest

And the breaker just plugs in where you removed the fuse from? If so, Too Cool! Oo.



The fuse for the trailer taillamps / turnsignals on the '05 have 15 amp fuses. Do you think I should stick with a 15 amp breaker or go with a 20 amp breaker?



Thanks for the help! Oo.

 

[jrobinson2]

I have run a circuit breaker on the turn signals in my Dakota for about 7 years, it works fine. They are a direct replacement for the fuse, just remove the fuse and plug in the breaker. The fuse size is to protect the wire, always use the same rating as the fuse you are replacing.



Jared

 

[TCDiesel]

Fuse

And the breaker just plugs in where you removed the fuse from? If so, Too Cool! Oo.



The fuse for the trailer taillamps / turnsignals on the '05 have 15 amp fuses. Do you think I should stick with a 15 amp breaker or go with a 20 amp breaker?



Thanks for the help! Oo.

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