Goodbye tears

[gbaglo]

My baby, my Escape 17B, just turned the corner, heading for the highway. Son-in-law, daughter and grandson off to Cultus Lake for two days camping.
We spent not enough time practicing backing a trailer. He knows what to do, just hasn't had enough doing. Doesn't have to rely on much in the systems department. Treating the trailer as a hard-sided tent, for the most part.
Sent them on their way with no left turn/brake light and excuses for the officer. I had it working in the driveway two days ago, but now it's not, again.
We went through the wiring. 4-pin tester showed all good. 7-pin tester shows no left brake or turn, so we know pretty much where the problem is, just not how to fix it. Might take two weeks to get it in to a shop.
Wish them luck.

[rbryan4]

You had me worried he wrecked it or something Glenn. Whew.

[float5]

We have had problems with a turn signal and I just move the pin a little. Had a much bigger problem with it on the 19' as the electrical cord was changed to a different one by Escape for our 21'. We also have an extension cord so I figured that that was the problem in the first place, but apparently not, since it is much better now.

[emers382]

Originally Posted by float5

We also have an extension cord so I figured that that was the problem in the first place, but apparently not, since it is much better now.

We have an extension also to avoid putting a plug into the box of new truck, so thought maybe that was the problem with constant notification "trailer disconnected" when it wasn't at all. Went all the way to Vancouver Island with it chiming, a real pain, wasn't until back in AB that I stopped in Princess Auto and picked up a can of air, blasted all the connections, and never happened again coming home, nor in two trips since

Adrian

[gbaglo]

I've used up half a can of electrical contact cleaner and sometimes that works, but I suspect it isn't the cleaner, but handling the wires that fixes or messes it.

[float5]

Originally Posted by emers382

We have an extension also to avoid putting a plug into the box of new truck, so thought maybe that was the problem with constant notification "trailer disconnected" when it wasn't at all. Went all the way to Vancouver Island with it chiming, a real pain, wasn't until back in AB that I stopped in Princess Auto and picked up a can of air, blasted all the connections, and never happened again coming home, nor in two trips since

Adrian

How would you know that the brakes are working if it said it was not connected? Did the brake numbers still register?

[emers382]

Originally Posted by float5

How would you know that the brakes are working if it said it was not connected? Did the brake numbers still register?

Yes Cathy, many times when the note came up I would check by manually applying the trailer brakes. Also the mileage counter which indicates mileage while hooked up always continued to count the km.

Adrian

[gbaglo]

Listening to the traffic report. Highway #1 westbound has been closed for four hours after three semis and a bunch of cars collided. At least the kids are eastbound.
Reminded my daughter that they are towing a toilet, if they get stuck.

[gbaglo]

Well, they have arrived and are now discussing how to back up a trailer and how to drive.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

You had me worried he wrecked it or something Glenn. Whew.

Yeah, me too. I was waiting for, "and it rolled two complete revolutions before coming o a stop ... (or something like that)." Relieved to hear it's a manageable issue.

[gbaglo]

Well, they made it. Daughter sucks at giving directions for backing the trailer. No, she didn't watch the video on how to.
Anyway, they are now secure and level.

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Sent them on their way with no left turn...

I wonder if the younger generations know how to use their left arm to signal a turn?? Maybe I've mentioned this but several years ago I was talking to a 20-something in a C-store and he didn't know what a hood ornament was.

Best of luck on the safe return of your family and your loaner!

[gbaglo]

Yup. Not sure what to say to a tailgater instead of "can you see beyond your hood ornament"?

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Well, they made it. Daughter sucks at giving directions for backing the trailer. No, she didn't watch the video on how to.
Anyway, they are now secure and level.

That is a CUTE picture.

[float5]

Originally Posted by emers382

Yes Cathy, many times when the note came up I would check by manually applying the trailer brakes. Also the mileage counter which indicates mileage while hooked up always continued to count the km.

Adrian

Never even occurred to me that it would be working if it said it was disconnected. Will have to see about that next time.

[Ruthe]

Glenn, you are one brave papa. Adorable picture of your daughter and grandbaby.

[gbaglo]

I have every confidence in my daughter and my son-in-law.
If I didn't, the trailer would still be in my driveway.
Grandkid needs a bit more experience.

[LarryandLiz]

Thanks for the step by step report. Please keep us posted on the electrical problem.

Do you run the trailer to ETI for work. If not, how did you pick another RV repair shop?

[gbaglo]

I use North Shore RV, which is about 2 kilometers ( or less ) down the hill from me.
But, on this turn signal issue, I'm going to try to track down the guy who did the original installation, although anybody who knows what they are doing can probably find the issue fairly quickly.

[thoer]

Glenn, Great picture and what a fine granddad to let them borrow your trailer