There are often threads on other bus forums that discuss this subject. Indeed there is an active thread on BCM right now.
In 2009 I experienced my upteenth failure of a commercially available converter (photo below).
That prompted me to fabricate a homebrew converter made with automotive style relays. I had observed information/systems built by Craig Shepard, Sean Welch, and Jack Conrad. Ultimately I documented my conversion in an article published in Bus Conversions Magazine. I have uploaded that article on our website: http://eaglesinternational.net/category/articles
As background information, Eagles (and most buses) have turn signal lights separate from the brake lights. This results in a five wire circuit. Virtually all trailers and cars have the turn signal lights combined with the brake lights (4 wire system). As a result, a converter is required. The circuit designed with relays is much more reliable than most commercial converters. It is fairly easy to construct and the parts are fairly inexpensive. Indeed, the original Eagle relays can be used.
The article has two wiring diagrams. I have attached the diagram I made for my system.
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Update 11/10/2023: No problems detected or reported
Registration is open to the public (*) and free from any cost or obligation. If you have problems registering, please email me at this link: jim@eaglesinternational.net.
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Conversion of 5 Wire to 4 Wire Taillight system for Towing
- beltguy
- Site Admin
- PostsCOLON 2671
- JoinedCOLON Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:39 am
- FMCA #COLON F246286
- Bus ModelCOLON 1985 Eagle 10 with Series 60 and Eaton AutoShift 10 speed transmission (SOLD)
- LocationCOLON Evergreen, CO
- CONTACTCOLON
Conversion of 5 Wire to 4 Wire Taillight system for Towing
- Attachments
-
- Trailer 5 to 4 wiring.pdf
- (261.28 KiB) Downloaded 1041 times
Jim Shepherd
Evergreen, CO
'85 Eagle 10 with Series 60 & Eaton AutoShift 10 speed transmission SOLD
2005 Dodge 2500 with 5.9 Cummins and 6 speed manual 2022 Sunset 28 foot trailer
Bus Project pages: http://beltguy.com/Bus_Project/busproject.htm
Blog: https://beltguy.com/Travelogue/
Email: eaglesinternational.email at gmail.com NOTE this email box is only for general correspondence related to the forum and not technical advice. Technical questions will not receive a response.
Evergreen, CO
'85 Eagle 10 with Series 60 & Eaton AutoShift 10 speed transmission SOLD
2005 Dodge 2500 with 5.9 Cummins and 6 speed manual 2022 Sunset 28 foot trailer
Bus Project pages: http://beltguy.com/Bus_Project/busproject.htm
Blog: https://beltguy.com/Travelogue/
Email: eaglesinternational.email at gmail.com NOTE this email box is only for general correspondence related to the forum and not technical advice. Technical questions will not receive a response.
- akroyaleagle
- Club Member
- PostsCOLON 486
- JoinedCOLON Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:11 pm
- FMCA #COLON F180747
- Bus ModelCOLON 1978 Model 05
- LocationCOLON Sioux Falls, SD
Re: Conversion of 5 Wire to 4 Wire Taillight system for Towi
I burned out several of those before I smartened up and just added another pair of lights to all my trailers.
Joe Laird
'78 05
Sioux Falls, SD
'78 05
Sioux Falls, SD