Trailer tow package question

From : hobart duncan

Q: i have a 97 dodge ram 3500 drw cummins diesel w/factory tow package and am pulling a 27 foot fiver. my question started on the rv forums with the query; should i disconnect my truck connector when hooked to either shore power or using my external generator many of the replies referred to a tow relay that only operates when the truck is running.... that is what is supposed to connect the trucks battery power to pin 4 of the connector to charge the house battery in the trailer. well my service manual for 97 does not show that the tow relay works in that manner. the tow relay operates via the headlamp switch to provide power to the trailers running lights and license plate light via the connector. i checked this out with my multi-meter and it does what the manual states.... in fact the tow relay operates anytime the headlight switch is in park or on position. i also see no sign of any type of isolator in the circuit. can someone confirm that dodge only uses a tow relay for that function which i have described i would hate to wake up on an interstate rest stop with battery problems in the dodge. thanks..... .

Replies:

From : mike simmons

i have a 97 dodge ram 3500 drw cummins diesel w/factory tow package and am pulling a 27 foot fiver. my question started on the rv forums with the query; should i disconnect my truck connector when hooked to either shore power or using my external generator many of the replies referred to a tow relay that only operates when the truck is running.... that is what is supposed to connect the trucks battery power to pin 4 of the connector to charge the house battery in the trailer. well my service manual for 97 does not show that the tow relay works in that manner. the tow relay operates via the headlamp switch to provide power to the trailers running lights and license plate light via the connector. i checked this out with my multi-meter and it does what the manual states.... in fact the tow relay operates anytime the headlight switch is in park or on position. i also see no sign of any type of isolator in the circuit. can someone confirm that dodge only uses a tow relay for that function which i have described i would hate to wake up on an interstate rest stop with battery problems in the dodge. thanks..... the relay only controls the lights on your dodge. in answer to your original query for an overnite stay no harm will come to your truck or battery by leaving the towing harness connected provided the onboard converter/charger in your rv is operating properly. this applies to either shore power or genset. hope this helps! mike .

From : greg surratt

on fri 10 mar 2006 162244 -0800 hobart duncan viking.ggh@verizon.net wrote i have a 97 dodge ram 3500 drw cummins diesel w/factory tow package and am pulling a 27 foot fiver. my question started on the rv forums with the query; should i disconnect my truck connector when hooked to either shore power or using my external generator many of the replies referred to a tow relay that only operates when the truck is running.... that is what is supposed to connect the trucks battery power to pin 4 of the connector to charge the house battery in the trailer. well my service manual for 97 does not show that the tow relay works in that manner. the tow relay operates via the headlamp switch to provide power to the trailers running lights and license plate light via the connector. i checked this out with my multi-meter and it does what the manual states.... in fact the tow relay operates anytime the headlight switch is in park or on position. i also see no sign of any type of isolator in the circuit. can someone confirm that dodge only uses a tow relay for that function which i have described i would hate to wake up on an interstate rest stop with battery problems in the dodge. thanks..... i cant verify the tow relay as you asked however ill offer the following based on experience ive got a 98 and have never had the problem you describe. if you are just pulling in for the night and turning on some lights for a while in the evening it shouldnt be a problem. if you are running the heater all night or running the a/c or microwave through an inverter or some other high power appliance you could have a problem. i leave mine plugged in whenever im hooked up regardless of whether i have shore power or not. greg 98 3500 qc 4x2 cummins isb auto 3.541 driftwood with leather and all the heavy duty options. 89 nu-wa champagne edition 34 foot fifth wheel. .

From : mac davis

on fri 10 mar 2006 162244 -0800 hobart duncan viking.ggh@verizon.net wrote i have friends that disconnect from the truck just to be safe... thats probably a good idea but so is obeying all speed limits.. *g* weve been pulling our rv since 2003 and the habit has become if youre not unhitching the trailer dont mess with the chains or the plug... less chance of trying to leave without reconnection.. never had a problem with electrical even at less than ideal power hookups.. ymwv i have a 97 dodge ram 3500 drw cummins diesel w/factory tow package and am pulling a 27 foot fiver. my question started on the rv forums with the query; should i disconnect my truck connector when hooked to either shore power or using my external generator many of the replies referred to a tow relay that only operates when the truck is running.... that is what is supposed to connect the trucks battery power to pin 4 of the connector to charge the house battery in the trailer. well my service manual for 97 does not show that the tow relay works in that manner. the tow relay operates via the headlamp switch to provide power to the trailers running lights and license plate light via the connector. i checked this out with my multi-meter and it does what the manual states.... in fact the tow relay operates anytime the headlight switch is in park or on position. i also see no sign of any type of isolator in the circuit. can someone confirm that dodge only uses a tow relay for that function which i have described i would hate to wake up on an interstate rest stop with battery problems in the dodge. thanks..... mac https//home.comcast.net/mac.davis https//home.comcast.net/mac.davis/woodstuff.htm .