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08-02-2017, 09:16 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: No Town
Posts: 432
M.O.C. #19482
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Dumb Question!
I have a dumb question - remember, I'm new so be kind.
Can I plug in the power connector to the truck while I'm on RV Park power? I want to check all the lights on the 5th Wheel.
Thanks
Ann
__________________
Don & Ann Wheeler:
2017 Montana 3791RD, 2017 RAM 3500 Diesel Dually, Aisin, 4.10, Sailuns, Disk Brakes, TST TPMS.
Don: USAF Ret., Fighter Pilot - Vietnam Vet '66-'67 & Ann: Ret., Texas A&M Ph.D.
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08-02-2017, 09:55 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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There are no dumb questions here, proven by the fact that I'm not positive.
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08-02-2017, 11:07 AM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Eureka Springs
Posts: 432
M.O.C. #17829
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Quote:
Originally Posted by awheeler
I have a dumb question - remember, I'm new so be kind.
Can I plug in the power connector to the truck while I'm on RV Park power? I want to check all the lights on the 5th Wheel.
Thanks
Ann
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I'd turn shore power off, connect trailer to truck, start truck, turn lights on and check them. I blew a fuse once by plugging trailer into truck while it was running.
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08-02-2017, 11:46 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,167
M.O.C. #6433
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There have been a couple of occasions when we stopped for a quick overnighter at an RV park and never unhooked from the truck, including the cord to the truck. And I plugged in to the park 50 amp service. Without even thinking about it. Guess it was not a problem since nothing ever happened. May depend on the brand and/or model year of truck.
But it would be simple to just turn off the breaker, plug in the truck, check the lights, disconnect from the truck, and turn the breaker back on. No need to unplug the power cord from the pedestal.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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08-02-2017, 12:49 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,365
M.O.C. #4831
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Quote:
Originally Posted by awheeler
<snip>
...Can I plug in the power connector to the truck while I'm on RV Park power? I want to check all the lights on the 5th Wheel.
</snip>
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I am assuming by "all the lights" you are referring to the 12V lights associated with towing (Brake, turn signal, running and back up lights). If yes, then plug in to the truck, preferably while the truck is powered off, and do your testing. The 12V towing lights are completely separate from the Montana RV 12V circuits. There is no need to disconnect shore power or even the 12V battery power,
Truth be told, you don't have to plug into the truck to test the 12V running *LIGHTS*. This process will not check the receptacle on the truck (obviously because you are not connected to it), but it will test the lights , along with the wiring. Jumper from pin #4 of your male Bargman plug (the 12V charge line from the battery) to the various pins for the different circuits i.e. Pin #3 = Tail and running lights, Pin #5 = Left turn and Brake, Pin #6 = Right turn and Brake, and the center Pin is the Reverse lights.
Some folks plug a 12V automotive flasher into pins #4 and #3 to cause all the running lights to blink continuously. You will see this at RV shows and Quartzsite (where finding your rig can be difficult after a few hours at the campfire).
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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08-02-2017, 04:38 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 525
M.O.C. #19994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_TX
There have been a couple of occasions when we stopped for a quick overnighter at an RV park and never unhooked from the truck, including the cord to the truck. And I plugged in to the park 50 amp service. Without even thinking about it. Guess it was not a problem since nothing ever happened. May depend on the brand and/or model year of truck.
But it would be simple to just turn off the breaker, plug in the truck, check the lights, disconnect from the truck, and turn the breaker back on. No need to unplug the power cord from the pedestal.
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Thats a good question. While we travel on vacation, the overnights at KOA's or campgrounds, I've never unplugged from the truck (unless to get level or shop) in 20 years of towing.
__________________
The "Black Pearl"-2017 3731FL Legacy Package
2017 F-450 Platinum, 6.7 PSD
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08-02-2017, 05:46 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,659
M.O.C. #9969
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I do it all the time. Now if stopping overnite such a Wally-docking without power I will disconnect as I don't want to run the risk of draining the TV batteries, probably wouldn't, but why take a chance.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
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08-02-2017, 09:35 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,365
M.O.C. #4831
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mhs4771
<snip>
...I don't want to run the risk of draining the TV batteries, probably wouldn't...
</snip>
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A Ford disconnects the circuit from its batteries to the 12V charge line when the ignition is off. Chevy and Dodge keep 12V on the charge line all the time. If you have a low trailer battery and are connected to either a Chevy or Dodge, then there is a chance the TV's batteries will be supplying 12V power to the RV. Too much 12V use may make starting the TV interesting.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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