I have also posted this question on Plowsite so my apologies to those of you
who frequent both sites.

First a little background info. The truck is a 2004 Chevrolet K2500HD with
the factory tow package. I purchased it used this spring.

Issue #1 - No power at the battery feed line on the trailer hitch. I have
been using a dump trailer all summer, using the hydraulics probably 2 or 3
times per week. All was well until about a month and a half ago when the
dump action slowed to a crawl. Upon investigation, I was somewhat surprised
to discover a drained battery. I tested the battery feed at the trailer
hitch and discovered there was no power. thus the battery was not being
charged. I have since charged the battery and continue to use the dump
without issue. I was very surprised to learn that I could dump the bed so
many times on a single battery charge. Having been through all of that, I am
unsure of when the lack of power to the trailer hitch began. So, my question
here is, where do I begin to look for trouble??

The trailer hitch and all of the wires leading into it look to be in very
good condition. I checked both fuse blocks (in cab and under hood) and was
not able to find a fuse labeled for that particular wire (I did find one for
the trailer backup lights and I checked several other fuses but none were
blown). Is there another fuse or relay located somewhere else that I am not
aware of? Any thoughts on other possible causes? I do dread the idea of
having to trace the entire wire looking for a short.


Issue #2 - I am installing 2 55watt task lights to the trucks bed rack
through a relay. I want them to use the same switch that the factory
installed cargo lights use. I.e. when you press the factory button installed
on the dash, both the cargo lights beside the third brake light & my
installed lights come on. Has anyone done this before that might offer some
advice on how best to locate the wire that leads to that switch?