Tina-Jim Posted September 23 Report Share Posted September 23 (edited) Greetings, The Bride and I have decided to borrow our Daughters TT. Since we only just have the truck for now, and the 'permanent' 5th wheel has not yet been acquired. The question: Can I simply tap in to the tractor wires at the rear turn/brake/run to get lights only on the TT. Again, it is small unit, no built in brakes. This is a temporary configuration, to get us to/through the HDT RALLY. (2020 Volvo VNR). Thoughts? Travel Safe, Tina-Jim Edited September 23 by Tina-Jim Updated title. Quote 2020 Volvo VNR 640; D11, i-Shift, 3.08 (to be singled) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaydrvr Posted September 23 Report Share Posted September 23 You'll need a separate adapter to convert from the tractor to trailer. The tractor has separate turn and stop circuits, the trailer doesn't. You can use a cheap diode converter from an auto parts store for short term use. The Jackalopee is the better long term fix. Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatrack Posted September 24 Report Share Posted September 24 (edited) Tina-Jim, Have very similar truck to you. This is the wiring at the plug at rear of truck. Turn and stop are together here unlike trailer plug. Ken.... Edited September 24 by hatrack edit Quote 2024 DRV Fullhouse JX450 2017 DRV Fullhouse JX450 2020 Volvo VNR 42-640, D13, 455hp, Ishift, 189"wb, factory single, ET Junior Hitch @ 195", Jacklopee, Directlink 2016 GMC 3500 Denali DRW, CC, LB, Curt 25k, Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Av8r3400 Posted September 24 Report Share Posted September 24 1 hour ago, hatrack said: Tina-Jim, Have very similar truck to you. This is the wiring at the plug at rear of truck. Turn and stop are together here unlike trailer plug. Ken.... This may cause your lighting module in the tractor to get upset because it will draw more current for the running and turn signals than it wants to see. I would suggest at least you will need a Chineesium wiring converter off the trailer plug. You will eventually need a Jackalopee why not just get one and use it. Quote Av8r3400 Thunderstruck - 2012 Volvo VNL 730 D13 iShift Slick - 2021 Grand Design Momentum 397TH I'd rather die trying to live - Than live trying not to die. -Leonard Perry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted September 24 Report Share Posted September 24 10 hours ago, Av8r3400 said: This may cause your lighting module in the tractor to get upset because it will draw more current for the running and turn signals than it wants to see. I would suggest at least you will need a Chineesium wiring converter off the trailer plug. You will eventually need a Jackalopee why not just get one and use it. X 2. The Jackalopee is relatively cheap, and super easy to install. It's hardly any more work to put in the Jackalopee than it would be to splice in to your tail lights. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio@yahoo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatrack Posted September 25 Report Share Posted September 25 I agree with the Jackalopee for any trailer use, have one on mine but I think for a small trailer for one use until he can get Jackalopee he will be OK. I have 10 light on the back of my truck with no problem in over 5 years. Volvo wiring shows 15 amp circuit for truck lights and stock truck only has 2 and very small trailer probably only has about 4 or 6 lights. Not saying do it but it should be OK. Ken.... Quote 2024 DRV Fullhouse JX450 2017 DRV Fullhouse JX450 2020 Volvo VNR 42-640, D13, 455hp, Ishift, 189"wb, factory single, ET Junior Hitch @ 195", Jacklopee, Directlink 2016 GMC 3500 Denali DRW, CC, LB, Curt 25k, Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deezl Smoke Posted September 26 Report Share Posted September 26 Yes you can. The tractor tail lights should be the same as an older pickup (automotive). Stops are same light as turn. Typically the tractor tails will have a weatherpack connection of some type. You mentioned the tt has no brakes? If I misunderstand, my bad. If it is truly that small, then you're set for lights tapping at the rear of the tractor. If you do have brakes, Tekonsha makes a trailer mounted brake controller that uses inertia or accelerometers of some sort to apply the brakes. You just need 12volt dc at the trailer for the controller, and a 12 outlet in the truck for the hand held pendent. I have them myself and they work awesome. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YZ3JV8N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Be careful towing such a light weight trailer behind the truck. The truck is heavy and will be well anchored to the road. The trailer usually is not designed for that rock steady of a hitch. A pickup or car towing a tt, the pickup or car has some give to it. The tires and suspension will have some flex etc. The truck has no give to such a small trailer. One rear axle of the truck weighs near as much as the trailer. So if you encounter rough roads, stop often to have check on the trailer tongue etc. IMO. Quote I'm a work'n on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina-Jim Posted September 29 Author Report Share Posted September 29 Thank you ALL for your replies and responses. We have decided NOT to tow the TT. I want to get the Jackalopee, and plan to in Hutchinson. After reading a couple of articles about the potential of frying the LCM (Light Controller Module?) of the 2007 and newer Volvo's, it seems best to just wait for the Jackalopee. I do not have time between now and when we leave to get the Jackalopee and get it installed. Travel Safe, Tina-Jim Quote 2020 Volvo VNR 640; D11, i-Shift, 3.08 (to be singled) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddm502001 Posted October 6 Report Share Posted October 6 I really dislike the trend to Digitized Control Modules to replace base wiring. The Western Star I had been driving has Seven such Modules, the newer ones ELEVEN. Electronics were supposed to clean up and simplify systems, have done no such aspects. In Dash circuitry is a rats nest these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina-Jim Posted October 13 Author Report Share Posted October 13 (edited) Agree ^^^ However, it is what it is at this point. The Jackalopee has been purchased and we are awaiting its arrival. Also, picked up a used Trailer Saver TSLB. It needs some maintenance, but it gets us closer to being ready for the road. Travel Safe, Tina-Jim Edited October 13 by Tina-Jim Quote 2020 Volvo VNR 640; D11, i-Shift, 3.08 (to be singled) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted October 13 Report Share Posted October 13 There's nothing wrong with a TrailerSaver, unless you have a really heavy trailer. We towed with one for many years. The one modification I recommend is to add a leveling valve. Then you don't need to bother with adjusting the air pressure to get the right ride height. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio@yahoo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina-Jim Posted Saturday at 10:36 AM Author Report Share Posted Saturday at 10:36 AM Thanks Rickeieio for the recommendation. So leveling values added to TS' at the HDT rally. Took pictures for reference! Travel Safe, Tina-Jim Quote 2020 Volvo VNR 640; D11, i-Shift, 3.08 (to be singled) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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