Troubleshooting Furrion Side Camera Function with LED Trailer Marker Lights

Updated 10/07/2020 | Published 10/06/2020

Question:

I have a 2019 Montana 20th Anniversary Edition 3790RD 5th wheel towed by a 2016 Ram 3500 4x4 DRW diesel Laramie package crew cab pickup. The trailer came from the dealership with a Furrion Vision S shark fin back-up camera installed with a corresponding Furrion Vision S 5inch monitor , which works fine. I have installed the Furrion Vision S side marker cameras, Item No. FCE48TASL, per Furrions instructions, connecting the unitsfoot marker light and camera positive wires brown and red to the positive wires and the units ground wires black to the ground wires which had been connected to the trailers 2 existing side markers which were replaced with the Furrion units. Although the units marker lights illuminate, the cameras do not come on no blue light in either unit. All of the trailers marker lights are LED. The trailers marker lights are not connected to the trailers turn signals do not flash with the turn signals. The voltage in the wiring where the units are connected is 13.48 volts. I do not know what the amperage is, nor do I know how to check the amperage. Before installation, I used a 12 volt portable power station to power each unit and to pair each unit with the aforementioned 5 monitor with no problems lights and cameras powered up and paired with the monitor. From what I have read online, it seems that even if the units are receiving 12 or more volts, there may not be enough amperage to power the cameras. Would either of the Furrion 7-way power adapters, Items Nos. FR74FR or FR69SR provide whatever power is needed so that the cameras will work as well as the marker lights? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Jim P

Expert Reply:

I recommend giving yourself a separate ground connection for your camera. Sometimes a weak ground connection makes things not function correctly and having a slightly better ground connection to the trailer frame makes all the difference. If that doesn't solve your issue, then the power draw could be the issue.

The 7-Way Vehicle Power Adapter w/ Power Switch for Furrion RV Observation Camera # FR87PR will work to help you get the correct power to your side marker cameras. The wiring sounds like you installed them correctly with both the power and trigger wire connected to the running light circuit and then having a solid ground connection as well.

expert reply by: Jason S