Winnebago with Seperate Taillights Towing a Jeep and Troubleshooting Brake Lights not Working  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Since you have connected your Winnebago to both your Jeep and boat trailer and are experiencing the same issue it is likely related to the vehicle wiring on your Winnebago that is the issue.

The first thing that I would check would be the vehicle connection 6-way on your Winnebago and make sure that all the wiring to the connection points are in-tact and that the pins do not show any signs of corrosion or damage.

You will want to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the functions on your 6-way connection, I have included a photo showing the typical pin locations and functions of a 6-way for your reference. There is an alternate wiring configuration for 6-way connection points and that is with the center pin being the brake controller output. If you do not have the same wiring configuration on both the Winnebago and your Jeep, you might need to use the Hopkins # 47570 adapter. If the wiring configuration of the RV and the Jeep, or your boat trailer, are different it should not be causing the brake light issue that you are experiencing.

If you do find some corrosion or a loose connection clean the corroded connection, and secure the loose connection if possible. If you need an replacement 6-way vehicle connection then the Roadmaster # RM-910030-7 will work as a replacement connection.

You may also want to check all the fuses associated with your taillights on your Winnebago and make sure that they are installed and functional.

If the brake lights are not working properly then it might indicate a ground issue. When the brake lights are activated it is a higher amperage draw on the system and if there is a ground issue this will usually be noticed with a consistent signal like the brake lights, as opposed to an intermittent signal for the turn signals or flashers. Check all the grounding locations and make sure the ground wire is secured to an appropriate metal surface.

You can also trace the wiring and make sure that all the wiring is intact and there is no signs of damage to the wiring. Pay close attention to areas near moving parts, like the suspension, and any parts that produce heat, like the exhaust. If you do find damaged wiring, this wiring will have to be removed and replaced.

Since your Winnebago has separate turn signals and brake lights and your Jeep and boat trailer do not, then a taillight converter is needed on the vehicle side of your 6-way connections. This converter will combine the turn signals and brake signal. However, if your Winnebago had a 6-way originally installed from the factory a converter is most likely already present. But if the previous troubleshooting steps do not raise any suspicions you will want to test the power to and from the converter as well.

You can test the converter by using a circuit tester and check the wiring input and output of the converter while the functions are being activated to make sure the converter is functional. If you find that the converter has failed a replacement will need to be installed like the # RM-732.

To install this converter you will connect to the Winnebago wiring as shown in the diagram and any additional functions that you have on the 6-way that are not present on the 4-way diagram (running lights and brake controller output) would bypass the converter.

If you need to install the converter you may also want to make sure the diodes are functioning in your Jeep wiring. You can use diodes like the Roadmaster Diodes # RM-794 (quantity of 4) installed in-line with your Jeep taillight wiring, if needed.

I have included an installation diagram that shows the configuration of the Roadmaster converter the diodes for your reference.

I have included links to the parts listed above and a few helpful articles for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H

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