-
towing with 24 volt Coach
So I am new to this whole towing deal here, but I want to tow my Ram 1500 4X4 Truck.
My coach is a 1980 with 24 volt system and the Ram is 12 volt system. Coach came with a Road Master Terrain tow bar, just need to get the base plates for the truck and hook lights and air up. What is the deal using the 24 volt system? Are there adapters to reduce the voltage?
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
-
6 Replies
-
It seems like everyone has some version of a “trailer light converter” in the engine compartment. I’m in the middle of rebuilding mine, so I can give you a quick description. My coach was built in 1984, but I’ll bet they’re all similar.
There are three relays in mine that are activated by 24 volts from the coach signal lights, but pass 12 volts through them to send to the trailer plug. My three are “left turn/brake,” “right turn/brake” and “tail lights.” I think there used to be a fourth relay, and I’m guessing that was for “backup lights.” I’d show you a photo, but mine was in disarray. I’m just now getting it back in service. It would be simple to build one, but I’m guessing someone can point you to a retail solution. You can pull all of the 24 volt signals from posts in your rear Electrical junction box.
-
What Chad said. If your coach was previously converted and has a plug for the toad it is probable it is already set for 12 volt power to your Ram.
But if you do not have a plug already it is easy to use the 24V to the stop, brake and turn signals to power relays to open and close the 12V power circuits for the toad lights.
If there is an aftermarket 24 to 12 converter for toad or trailer lights I am not aware of it because all of my three coaches had what is described by me and Chad.
-
Thank You Chad!
I will go explore and get my test meter working to see!
-
Thanks Jon,
As I old Chad, I will check it out and let you all know.
Thanks so Much!
-
I just finished testing my rebuilt voltage converter, and figured I’d post pictures here rather than a new thread. The electrical diagram may be of use to you if your coach didn’t come with something like this. I replicated my existing wiring, but switched to Bosch relays and added one for the Back Up Lights. In the lower right of the diagram, you can see the numbers of the rear junction posts that send 24v to the relays. I don’t know if they changed over the years.
edit: I deleted my electrical diagram because I noticed a significant error. I’ll list my rear junction posts below.
Tail: 1
Right Turn: 31
Back Up: 43
Left Turn: 44
Stop: 57
-
Nice install there!
I figured mine out – everything was already in place so No Brainer for me. Just installed new Wire and Plugs. Installed the Roadmaster wiring kit to the truck and were all good. Sorry this post is late on the return.
2005 XL Thompson Coach
Rarely tow anything behind us.
Sold: 1993 Liberty that we loved for 12 years.
Log in to reply.