Fixing Marker Lights On Shadow Cruiser Campers

If your marker lights are not working on your Shadow Cruiser camper, there are a few things you can try. First, check the fuses and relays in the fuse panel under the hood and in the cab of your tow vehicle. If the fuses and relays seem fine, disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle and use a circuit tester or meter to test the vehicle side trailer connector while the headlights are on. If there is no power during this test, the issue is with the tow vehicle. If there is power, the issue is with the trailer. Make sure the trailer side connector is clean and free of corrosion, and inspect the wiring from the connector for any pinched or damaged wires. You can also try running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground. If your trailer has a lot of running lights, the combined power draw may be too much for the tow package wiring, so try disconnecting some of the lights to see if that solves the problem. Finally, consider switching to LED lights, which require less power.

Check for corrosion on the trailer connector

To check for corrosion on the trailer connector, you'll need to locate the connector on your Shadow Cruiser camper. This is usually found at the back of the camper, where it connects to the tow vehicle. Once you've located the connector, follow these steps:

• Inspect the connector for any signs of corrosion or damage: Corrosion typically appears as a buildup of white, green, or blue powder on the metal surfaces of the connector. Look for any visible signs of corrosion on both the inside and outside of the connector.
• Remove the connector: Unplug the connector from the tow vehicle if it is connected. Carefully pull out the center section of the connector, which contains the metal contacts. This will allow you to inspect the connections more closely.
• Clean the connector: If you notice any corrosion or dirt buildup, use a small wire brush or a knife to gently clean the metal contacts. You can also use dielectric grease to help remove corrosion and protect against future corrosion. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to a clean cloth and wipe it onto the metal contacts.
• Test the lights: Once you've cleaned the connector and reassembled it, reconnect it to the tow vehicle and test the marker lights to see if they are working properly.
• Replace the connector if necessary: If the connector is severely corroded or damaged, it may be best to replace it with a new one. You can find replacement connectors at RV supply stores or online. Look for a connector that is specifically designed to be corrosion-resistant.

Remember to perform regular maintenance on your trailer connector to prevent corrosion. This includes keeping the connector clean, dry, and protected from the elements as much as possible. You can also apply dielectric grease to the connector on an ongoing basis to help prevent corrosion. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your marker lights work properly and that your trailer connector is in good condition.

Test the vehicle side trailer connector

Testing the vehicle-side trailer connector is a simple process that can be done with a circuit tester or a voltmeter. The circuit tester will show if a signal is coming through on the pin being tested, while the voltmeter will tell you if there is a signal and how much voltage is being sent. When testing the brake circuit pin on the 7-Way, it may be more beneficial to see how much voltage it is sending through.

If you are facing the 7-Way, using either tester, you will test for the proper signal as follows:

• 1 o'clock position = 12-volt hot lead
• 3 o'clock position = right turn/brake light
• 5 o'clock position = brake controller output
• 7 o'clock position = ground
• 9 o'clock position = left turn/brake light
• 11 o'clock position = tail and running lights
• Centre = reverse lights

You will need to have someone sit in the truck and run through each function while you test the pins. In order to determine the configuration on the trailer side, you will have to trace the wiring back from each pin. While checking the connectors, if you notice any corrosion build-up or dirt inside or in back of either connector, clean it out. A wire brush like a battery terminal brush works well.

Check the tow package wiring uses relays

To check if your tow package wiring uses relays, you'll need to locate the tow package components in your vehicle. This typically includes a frame-mounted trailer hitch and trailer wiring. Once you've found the trailer wiring, you can inspect it to see if it includes relays. Relays are small electronic devices that are used to control electrical circuits, and they are often used in tow package wiring to activate the trailer's running lights or backup lamps.

If you have a Nissan Titan, for example, you can refer to the Curt Nissan Relay kit part # C57000, which includes the necessary relays for the tow package wiring. For a 2001 F250, the trailer tow battery charge relay and the trailer tow backup lamp relay are typically included in the tow package.

If you're unsure about the specifics of your vehicle's tow package wiring, you can refer to the owner's manual or consult a local dealer. They should be able to provide you with detailed information about the wiring setup and any relays that may be included. Additionally, you can visually inspect the wiring harness for relays, which are usually located near the trailer connector.

It's important to note that not all tow packages include relays, and the presence of relays may depend on the make and model of your vehicle. In some cases, you may need to add relays to your tow package wiring if they are not already included. This can be done by consulting with a qualified technician or referring to vehicle-specific relay kits available in the market.

By checking the tow package wiring and identifying the presence or absence of relays, you can gain a better understanding of your vehicle's towing capabilities and ensure that your trailer's lighting and electrical systems function correctly.

Test for power on the pin in the 11 o'clock position

To test for power on the pin in the 11 o'clock position, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure that the PSU is unplugged and the power switch is set to off. The off position is marked with a circle (O) on the switch. This is an important safety precaution.

Next, grab a metal paper clip and straighten it. You can also use a jumper wire or any flexible conductor. This will be used to connect the power-on pin to a ground pin. The power-on pin connects to the motherboard and is usually the green wire, while the ground pins are black. If the wires are not colour-coded, refer to the diagram in the PSU manual to locate the correct pins.

With the connector's clip facing the ground, the power-on pin is the fourth pin from the right on the bottom row. Connect one end of the paper clip to a ground pin and the other end to the power-on pin.

Now, switch the power on. If the PSU fan starts spinning, then the power is working. Some PSUs have a zero rpm feature, so don't worry if the fan stops spinning after a while.

This test will not tell you if the PSU is functioning correctly, only that it is receiving power. To ensure the PSU is outputting the correct voltage, you will need to perform a voltage test using a multimeter.

To test the voltage, first, turn on your multimeter and set it to VDC (Volts DC). Plug the black test lead into the COM (common) jack, and the red test lead into the VΩmA/μA jack.

Connect the black test lead to a COM pin on the PSU connector, and the red test lead to the pin you want to test, in this case, the pin in the 11 o'clock position. Observe the voltage reading on the multimeter.

Repeat this test for all the pins to ensure they are providing the correct voltage. Pins have a voltage tolerance, so it is acceptable if the voltage is slightly above or below the expected value.

Alternatively, you can connect a testing component, such as a lamp, to the PSU connector and check if the voltage reading drops. Each pin's voltage should stay within its range regardless of the components attached to it.

Switch to LED lights

If you're having issues with your marker lights on your Shadow Cruiser camper, one solution is to switch to LED lights. LED lights are inexpensive, long-lasting, and energy-efficient, making them a great option for RV lighting. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the switch:

Step 1: Purchasing LED Lights

First, you'll need to purchase LED replacement bulbs. You can find these online or at specialty stores. Take inventory of how many lights you need to replace and the specific types of bulbs required. It's a good idea to make a list or have a few options in mind before you start shopping.

Step 2: Turning Off Power and Removing Old Fixtures

Before you begin any work, ensure that the lights are turned off at the power source. Then, carefully remove the lens and any screws securing the old light fixture in place. You may need to use a screwdriver or a similar tool for this step. Once the screws are removed, gently pry the old fixture away from the wall of your camper.

Step 3: Cleaning and Preparing the Surface

The next step is to clean the area and prepare it for the new LED lights. Remove any old sealant or residue using a scraper, a towel, and a solvent like WD-40 or mineral spirits. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before proceeding.

Step 4: Wiring the New LED Lights

Cut the wires connecting the old light fixture and remove it completely. Strip the ends of the wires to prepare them for connection to the new LED fixture. Attach the positive and negative wires to the corresponding wires on the new fixture, typically indicated by black (positive) and white (negative) wires. Use wire connectors to secure the connection and ensure polarity is maintained.

Step 5: Securing and Sealing the New LED Lights

Wrap the wire connectors with electrical tape to ensure they are secure and protected from the elements. Cut a piece of weatherproof tape, such as Eternabond, to fit over the main opening and screw holes. Apply the tape so that the wires come out the bottom, preventing water ingress if the light fixture leaks. Screw the new LED fixture in place, screwing through the tape to secure it. Finally, apply a bead of silicone sealant around the edges of the fixture for added protection.

Step 6: Testing and Final Touches

Once the new LED fixture is in place, attach the lens and turn on the power to test the lights. Ensure that they are functioning properly and adjust as needed. If you're satisfied with the results, your marker lights are now upgraded to LED, providing you with brighter, more energy-efficient lighting for your Shadow Cruiser camper.

By following these steps, you can easily switch to LED lights, improving the lighting system of your camper and potentially reducing future maintenance headaches.

Frequently asked questions