Right rear tail light won't shut off.

gelayne · 02-05-2018, 06:58 PM

Hey, I just walked outside and noticed the right rear taillight on my camper is lit. The camper is (and has been) disconnected and on shore power. This is a new event. Any ideas?

steve dunham · 02-05-2018, 07:09 PM

Unintentional circuit in 7 pin connector between the 12 volt (+ )charge wire and the wire to the rear brake light.

gelayne · 02-05-2018, 07:21 PM

When I disconnect from the tow vehicle I try to turn the plug downward to prevent moisture from entering. I have noticed lately, the insulation of the wire has receded from the plug. In this position, water can enter from that direction AND it rained recently. I'll blow air to dry and see what happens.

War Eagle · 02-05-2018, 07:29 PM

I had a similar problem, but I had a small amount of corrosion shorting from my 12V power across to the marker lights. I cleaned the plug then got a cap for it (see example).
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...SABEgL3kPD_BwE
If you decide to use one, make sure the plug points up so the cap acts like a cap to shed water and not like a cup to collect it.

steve dunham · 02-05-2018, 07:32 PM

If you have LED taillights it only takes a small amount of leakage current to partially energize an LED.
I had a similar issue with my trailer and contact cleaner solved the problem.

*** For your information I do NOT own an Escape and your electrical system may operate in a totally different manner ***

gelayne · 02-05-2018, 07:36 PM

I blew it out with air and the light dimmed. I tested with a meter and I had about 3.5 volts on the R Turn/Stop light terminal. So tomorrow, during daylight, I have a task.

Many thanks!
Glen

gbaglo · 02-05-2018, 07:38 PM

I second Electrical Contact Cleaner.
I push the 7-pin plug up inside the propane tank cover to keep it dry.

gelayne · 02-05-2018, 07:40 PM

Thanks War Eagle...I'll order one. Are you going to GE&H?

War Eagle · 02-05-2018, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gelayne

... Are you going to GE&H?

We'll be there. Catoma Loop #46 (I believe). Are you coming down for it?

gelayne · 02-05-2018, 08:11 PM

It was booked when I tried to schedule. So, I'm coming before the event. 8th-13th. I think I had 47 last year. 36 this year. Actually, I had one of your spots last year starting Saturday of the event.

War Eagle · 02-05-2018, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gelayne

It was booked when I tried to schedule. ...

I've seen some sites open up over the last month or so, but they get snapped up quickly. Some friends of ours from Mississippi with a brand new 21' missed out on the initial reservations but then were lucky enough to grab a site just as someone else released it. Keep looking!

rotateclockwise · 02-05-2018, 08:53 PM

You could try a cap and a holder like this. We installed one and it works well. Nice to have a place to hang the chains and the 7 pin. When in storage, I place a vinyl cover over the tongue jack and the holder.

cpaharley2008 · 02-06-2018, 04:23 AM

I have used these on my past 3 Escapes, works well, mounted to box or propane cover
https://www.amazon.com/AP-Products-0...rds=plug+guard

gocamp · 02-06-2018, 07:50 AM

OP,
This contact brush/tool solved another forum member electrical tail-light gremlin

Oldtimer · 02-06-2018, 07:52 AM

Any idea where it was purchased

rubicon327 · 02-06-2018, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldtimer

Any idea where it was purchased

www.amazon.com/Innovative-Products-America-8028-Maintenance/dp/B002Z311PS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487785515&sr=8-1&keywords=7+spade+trailer+cleaner

thiggins · 02-06-2018, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gocamp

OP,
This contact brush/tool solved another forum member electrical tail-light gremlin

Many of those parts resemble gun cleaning stuff. Hmm...

Defenestrator · 02-08-2018, 02:16 AM

I'd be a little careful about using gun-cleaning stuff on the hitch connector. Blued steel is a fair bit harder than the copper connectors, and gun cleaners don't care if they leave behind a conductive residue.

War Eagle · 02-08-2018, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Defenestrator

I'd be a little careful about using gun-cleaning stuff on the hitch connector. Blued steel is a fair bit harder than the copper connectors, and gun cleaners don't care if they leave behind a conductive residue.

But it's NOT gun cleaning stuff, Tim (thiggins) just said it "looks" like it. One simply needs a little common sense when using the abrasives in this kit, and the DeoxIT is often recommended on this and other trailer forums for this very purpose.

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