Signals on side markers??

[kowbra]

Hi all,


So... due to covid restrictions, we actually used our new 2021 Montana 3790RD for the first time last weekend!


I've got a number of things I'm sorting out, but some of the questions I thought this group would be more helpful than the dealer... here goes:


On our last rig (SOB), the turn signals flashed both on the rear and on all of the side marker lights. This is standard for truck trailers for years also. BUT not on our new Montana - signals flash only on the rear lamps.



Question - should the side marker lights flash with the signals? (2021 model so all LED)



Thanks in advance for your help on this!
Brad

[Carl n Susan]

I have never seen a Montana with dual bulb (or LED) side markers. They have never blinked as turn signals in my experience. It would be nice though.

[kowbra]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

I have never seen a Montana with dual bulb (or LED) side markers. They have never blinked as turn signals in my experience. It would be nice though.

Thanks for the quick reply, Carl!



I totally agree it would be nice, and I guess I just expected that Montana would have that as we already had that on our 2017 SOB model.



Brad

[Gubs]

We have a 2020 3121RL Montana and yes the side light flashes with the rear blinker on ours, I thought that was normal for the Montana. Our old Heartland didn't have that feature!

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by Gubs

We have a 2020 3121RL Montana and yes the side light flashes with the rear blinker on ours, I thought that was normal for the Montana. Our old Heartland didn't have that feature!

I learn something new everyday. I wasn't aware of this change for the good. I will be checking it out at the upcoming MOC Spring Rally in Coeur d'Alene where there will be at least one brand new Montana.

[Wisconsin Retiree]

My 2019 3121RL does not have the side markers flash with rear either. I wish it did but mine also does not have any LED outside tail lights or marker lights. All interior lights are LED but not outside.

[E Rod]

[QUOTE=kowbra;1224420]Hi all,


So... due to covid restrictions, we actually used our new 2021 Montana 3790RD for the first time last weekend!


I've got a number of things I'm sorting out, but some of the questions I thought this group would be more helpful than the dealer... here goes:


On our last rig (SOB), the turn signals flashed both on the rear and on all of the side marker lights. This is standard for truck trailers for years also. BUT not on our new Montana - signals flash only on the rear lamps.





I have the Furrion cameras with the side marker lamps. I wired them to the turn signals and the camera itself to parking lights. Now , it alerts cars next to us of my intentions of moving into next lane. Looks cool as well

[kowbra]

[QUOTE=E Rod;1224603]

Originally Posted by kowbra

Hi all,


I have the Furrion cameras with the side marker lamps. I wired them to the turn signals and the camera itself to parking lights. Now , it alerts cars next to us of my intentions of moving into next lane. Looks cool as well

Now that's interesting!
Can you share how you wired that? I think I'd like to try that.



Brad

[E Rod]

[QUOTE=kowbra;1224629]

Originally Posted by E Rod

Now that's interesting!
Can you share how you wired that? I think I'd like to try that.



Brad

Traced the wiring for left and right turn signals. Ran them to the front storage compartment. Installed the cameras above the door with enough room to run wire. The cameras have three wire, ground, one for camera and the last for parking lights. I wired the camera to parking lights and the wire meant for parking light to turn signal wire

[E Rod]

Photos attached

[kowbra]

Originally Posted by E Rod

Traced the wiring for left and right turn signals. Ran them to the front storage compartment. Installed the cameras above the door with enough room to run wire. The cameras have three wire, ground, one for camera and the last for parking lights. I wired the camera to parking lights and the wire meant for parking light to turn signal wire

Thanks E Rod,


I will have a look for the wires; I have the furion side cameras from factory.

I assume you picked up the wires coming off the plug from the truck, where it enters into the front bay? If not, let me know, otherwise that is where I will start.



Brad

[CADman_KS]

We have a 2020 3741FK, and our side lights do NOT blink when the signal is on.

I'm not 100% for sure of this, but I would think that indicates a ground issue somewhere, and the power is tracing back thru the tail lights , which includes the side markers.

My son in laws clearance lights (the high ones) blink when he is turning, and that's not right either.

As far as I know, ALL of the tail lights, side markers and clearance lights are on one circuit, which is the brown wire in the circuit, typically...

[E Rod]

Originally Posted by kowbra

Thanks E Rod,


I will have a look for the wires; I have the furion side cameras from factory.

I assume you picked up the wires coming off the plug from the truck, where it enters into the front bay? If not, let me know, otherwise that is where I will start.



Brad

Yes, that's exactly what I did

[kowbra]

Originally Posted by CADman_KS

We have a 2020 3741FK, and our side lights do NOT blink when the signal is on.

I'm not 100% for sure of this, but I would think that indicates a ground issue somewhere, and the power is tracing back thru the tail lights , which includes the side markers.

My son in laws clearance lights (the high ones) blink when he is turning, and that's not right either.

As far as I know, ALL of the tail lights, side markers and clearance lights are on one circuit, which is the brown wire in the circuit, typically...

Thanks CADman,



I think there would need to be dual bulbs for the markers and the signal wire run to them as well? So it would seem as though Montana has not set it up that way?




Brad

[CADman_KS]

Originally Posted by kowbra

Thanks CADman,



I think there would need to be dual bulbs for the markers and the signal wire run to them as well? So it would seem as though Montana has not set it up that way?


Brad

You are correct that there would need to be dual filaments or bulbs if they were incandescent bulbs. But the newer Montanas have LED lights (yours does for sure), and I believe that all they are doing there is just increasing the intensity of the light in blinker mode. At least that's what it appears is happening on my tail light / brake lights.

So, with LED's, it may be possible that they are getting brighter when signaling.

But, I still don't think that any of the side marker lights are on separate circuits. I think that ALL of the side marker lights, the overhead clearance lights, and the tail lights are ALL on the same circuit. So, if they are blinking, they are blinking everywhere when you have the signals activated.

And, if they are all on the same circuit, AND blinking when you turn, that indicates that something is not right somewhere in your truck wiring, your plug, or camper wiring, or any combination of those. Most likely, though, it's a bad ground being made somewhere, would be my guess.

Again, I could be all wet on all of this too...

[carlrx7]

my '21 side marker lights do not flash with the lane signal.

[Glades]

Originally Posted by CADman_KS

As far as I know, ALL of the tail lights, side markers and clearance lights are on one circuit, which is the brown wire in the circuit, typically...

This is the color code.

[CADman_KS]

Originally Posted by Glades

This is the color code.


Attachment 9460

According to this link from etrailer (and others) like it:

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

it can actually be either way, when it comes to color. However, the pin location is always the same, just what color of wire they are hooking up to it. That's super confusing, for sure.

At any rate, when the tail/marker/clearance lights blink when you turn, you have something somewhere not wired correctly, or you're getting a bad ground connection. These lights should NOT be blinking when turning...

[Glades]

The Etrailer is the generic wiring. That pic is from the Montana color coded chart. There’s more to it. Check their website. They have used specific colors now for the past few years. Makes it a lot easier to trace.

[Glades]

https://keystone-rv-dealer-app.cdn.p...box_Oct20b.pdf