7 replies to this topic

[Wango]

Hi,

Just got back from a very wet trip to the Oregon coast. Just noticed my marker lights on the ATC are on, went out to turn the truck lights off and found the truck lights are off, but the camper lights are on.

Lack of sleep is making me draw a blank here.

Any ideas?

I tried disconnecting the wires from the battery.

Help?

w

[PaulT]

The marker lights are typically powered by truck battery not camper battery. 

Where did you disconnect?

 

Can you disconnect at camper plug in truck bed? 
 

Paul

[Wandering Sagebrush]

How did ATC wire your flat bed?  One for 12VDC and ground, one for marker and brakes? Single connection for all?

 

If it’s a single connection, I suspect the wet weather may be providing a path for current at the connection.  I’d try cleaning it, and seeing if it stops.  It wouldn’t hurt to check the back of each side of the connection, too.

 

If it’s the dual connector install, find the connection for the brake/marker, and do the same.  Since the problem persisted when you disconnected the battery, I suspect the problem is here.  That it even remains on makes me think it’s on the truck side if this is how the camper was wired.

[Wango]

Thanks for the quick replies, got them to go out by disconnecting my battery box(under the flatbed) and the camper. I wasn't aware that the exterior camper lights (marker Lights)  were powered by the camper batteries. Will call the boys at ATC here shortly.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Thanks for the quick replies, got them to go out by disconnecting my battery box(under the flatbed) and the camper. I wasn't aware that the exterior camper lights (marker Lights)  were powered by the camper batteries. Will call the boys at ATC here shortly.

Please do keep us in the loop.  I’m really surprised the marker lights are powered by the camper battery.

[Wango]

Well,

Spoke with Jeff at ATC, they always answer. He was surprised at what i described. I took off the pigtail that connects the battery box under the flatbed to the camper. Lights went out, checked the connections and both were soaked. Not surprised with the rain we were/are having.

All connections have been cleaned and will wait a while to check.

Have also reached out to a currently nameless kind soul to consult on a new and better electrical setup for my camper.

Will most likely do away with the batteries in the box below the bed and install an updated system in an unused cabinet inside. 

Of course more decisions to follow.

Thanks to all.

[fish more]

Check your grounds at the maker lamps, loosen the screws, then retighten the screws that hold lamp to side of camper. Years ago I had same problem and that;s what solved the issue. I hope this helps !!

[Wango]

Think i found the culprit, too much moisture/grit at both plug connections. Cleaned, dried and all back to normal. Will most likely remove in heavy downpours while driving from now on. 

Am changing battery setup in the coming weeks so will not be an issue much longer.

Thanks for the help!

Happy Hollidays.

w