| Author | Message | ||
| Neil Holmes (Homer) (Homer)
Registered Member Username: Homer Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 139.142.19.44  Rating: N/A |
Does anyone out there know much about trailer lights on the MC8. The outlet appears to be hooked into a small relay box in the drivers side rear motor compartment. I had lights last year but on testing them yesterday I have no power to the trailer light outlet. The numbers on the relay are unreadable. Anyone have any info on this? | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1251 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 173.126.135.133  Rating: N/A |
The "relay box" is probably an add on by a previous owner (PO), since MC-8s use a separate turn signal & brake light. The relay box is to combine the turn and brake to operate a single bulb on the trailer. The wires from the relay box may also reduce the power to the trailer to 12 volt. Not enough information to give an adequate answer. Maybe a photo? Here is a schematic to the "realy board" I made for our MC-8 Jack http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv186/OBS-JC/OBS%20II%20Electric/Bus-TowLightconverter.jpg (Message edited by JackConrad on March 26, 2010) | ||
| Neil Holmes (Homer) (Homer)
Registered Member Username: Homer Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 139.142.19.44 Rating: N/A |
Jack, your diagram looks similar to the boxes in the compartment in my bus. Four boxes in a row with some wires to lights and others to the trailer hookup. Will have to go out for a closer look. The PO had told me the trailer lights were 24 volt, but when I put my meter on them last year, I was showing 12 volts. I have to get these lights working as we are planning a quad trip to Nordegg next month. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1252 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 173.126.135.133 Rating: N/A |
If they are 12 volt, check the wire in my diagram that is labeled 12 VOLT. It may be connected to a center tap on your coach batteries, a Vanner Equalizer, or 12 volt house batteries. Also you should hear the relays clicking when turn signals are flashing, brakes are applied, or tail lights are turned on. Jack | ||
| Terry (T3rry)
Registered Member Username: T3rry Post Number: 26 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 209.167.172.135  Rating: N/A |
Jack, what relays did you use, and do you know the pin numbers, i would like to replicate that, but am not very good with relays. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1254 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 70.0.21.20 Rating: N/A |
I used the small square relays with 24 volt coils. The coil is terminal 85 (ground) and 86 Signal lead. Terminal 30 is 12 volt supply to lights. Termninal 87 is NO (normal open) and 87a is NC (normal closed). I got mine off Ebay. Here is a photo of my relay panel. Jack <img> | ||
| Terry (T3rry)
Registered Member Username: T3rry Post Number: 27 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 209.167.172.135 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Jack, so just to confirm, this will convert the lights to 12v, as well as combine the brake/signal lights in to 1 bulb, correct? | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1255 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 70.0.21.20 Rating: N/A |
Yes. As long as the relays have 24 volt coils, triggered by the coach 24 volt lights and have 12 volt power switched by the relays for the toad lights. Jack | ||
| Terry (T3rry)
Registered Member Username: T3rry Post Number: 28 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 209.167.172.135 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Jack, now i just need to find a source for the relays (would prefer local) i appreciate the info. | ||
| Terry (T3rry)
Registered Member Username: T3rry Post Number: 30 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 68.147.23.190 Rating: N/A |
Thanks again jack, just finished the easy part of the wiring for my tails  she may not be purdy, and i may not have any idea what i just did, but i sure hope it works  |