running lights and reflectors

[Aroryborealis]

Hi Everyone.  I recently bought a 78 terry taurus and found that the running and clearance lights arent working.  My question is whether it is legal to drive without them and where I may find the rules as far as what a camper needs for lights and reflectors.  The brake and turning signals work fine.  In looking at a few of the side and back lights it looks like some are wired and a couple arent IE the wires are not hooked to the light fixture.  if one of these are out will all go out?  is that the simple solution to my problem (if one is disconnected all will go out?).  Thanks!

[Aroryborealis]

Any takers?

[32rhnxf5d8lrx]

I don't know your specific RV but no they are not a series string.  Each light needs a connection to the power source (battery) and a connection to ground (the RV chassis).  The battery also needs to be connected but since you have brake and turn lights you know that is done already.

[Aroryborealis]

Thanks for the reply. The battery on the camper is old and doesn't work but once hooked to my truck at least the brake and signals operate. I wish I was better with electric!

[32rhnxf5d8lrx]

My first comment is very misleading and should probably be disregarded..

The running lights and brake lights and turn signals are not dependent upon the on board RV battery.  These lights all get their power from the vehicle through the connector on the trailer being plugged into the connector on the tow vehicle.

This link provides what I believe is a very good and almost universal drawing for the connection between the two.  I hope this helps.

http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx

NOTE:  Wires colors are not universal. 

When trouble shooting inoperative or intermittent trailer lights, begin the effort by making certain that the trailer and the tow vehicle are both (each) securely grounded.  Intermittent or poor grounding will make troubleshooting very difficult.

The same goes for electric trailer brakes.  A good connection ground between the tow vehicle and the trailer is a must.

[Aroryborealis]

thanks so much!  I am sorry I just saw this now.  I havent had time to get to the lights and ended up out after dark unexpectedly on my way to yellowstone.  I made it to about 1 mile from the site when I got pulled over.  It helped that my brake and signals work but they told me to get it fixed.  I am driving cross country in 3 weeks and need to get on it!