Be cautious of letting others work on your rig.

While out of town on vacation and pulling a 14K 5th wheel over the cascade mountains I realized the need for an immediate upgrade that was planned. So, I had Les Schwab install a set of Firestone Ride-Rite™ air helper springs with an Air Command compressor. In their investigation to search for an electrical power source they decided to probe in the banks wiring harness and eventually tied into a lead within that same harness. The provided pictures reflect the damage done to the wiring harness pigtail and the point of connection.

I have requested that the damage they have caused to the Banks 6-gun system be replaced in like kind. The water tight seal in the harness pigtail has been penetrated possibly creating future system integrity issues and the wire to which they have connected to is now presently damaged. No telling what the long term effects of the moisture and corrosion not to mention the amperage fluctuation will have on the banks system and the trucks ECM. A Les Schwab adjustment representative requested that I secure a statement from Banks confirming that the actions of their employees has in fact caused damage to the integrity of the system.

In addition, she suggested that I remove the crimped wire from the harness, route to manufacturers specifications, and use heat shrink to seal the damaged factory wire. Can any one tell me how to accomplish this feat in a sealed unit? Not to mention repairing the pigtail. This is a sealed unit. Then I was instructed to secure statements from local maintenance shops as to the effects of such actions. I was offered $15.00 to complete this request and during a later call had to beg for reimbursement for shipping the unit to Banks. Not to mention my time to disconnect the system and run around the local area. My only request to Les Scwab is that the system be restored to it original condition prior to their negligence. The local shop has been extremely understanding and helpful through this process. However, keep in mind Les Scwab is self insured and trying to save a "BUCK" instead of taking care of their customers.

We all know that any certified mechanic would not piggy back one electrical system onto another after market electrical system. In fact the installation manual states

"STEP 7 - WIRE THE SYSTEM: Strip 1/4" off the end of the red 14 gage wire supplied with the kit. Crimp a female spade connector onto the end of the red wire. Install the female spade connector onto the remaining spade on the pressure switch. Using a wire connector, attach the opposite end of the wire to an ignition activated, positive 12 Volt, 25 Amp minimum power source. Consult the manufacturer's wiring diagram for your vehicle. Slip the wire connector over the existing ignition activated wire and insert the un-stripped 14 gage wire into the connector. Close the wire connector over the wires with pliers,.

This representative is running me through the ringer and has contacted Banks. I have to remove the banks 6-gun and mail to banks for further investigation and troubleshooting. Let me say Banks representatives have been helpful and look forward to their findings. It will probably be a week or so before I have a final answer from Banks.

Any certified mechanics willing to reply to this thread I can send to Les Schwab to support my claim of their negligence? Any comment would be greatly appreciated.

 

id be pissed no you never do that especially not to an aftermarket harness that clearly runs from a chip and not the main harness

I would say your best bet if they dont replace the system for you is to take that tap off there and then shrink wrap it then silicone the crap out around the shrink wrap then wrapp it with electrical tape just to keep as much moisture out of there as possibel

 

x2

 

they have brush on E-tape now... i've never used it but supposedly it seals up water tight and is a PITA to get back off.

comes in a little can almost like pipe dope. and is called liquid electrical tape. i saw it at a trailer supply

 

Thanks for the reply. In addition to the sealing efforts another concern is the damage to the wire strands and the loss of amperage, resistance, and voltage the designed system requires.