7-pin trailer to TV questions

[SilverHoot]

My 67 had the plug hardwired and I am replacing ALL the wiring on my trailer. The old plug and cord are weathered and need replacing anyways. How do the newer trailers connect to the tow vehicle? Pics anyone? I'm thinking that instead of a cord being hardwired, there would be a plug at both ends, one on the trailer and one on the TV. I did some searching and can't find pics of what I'm describing. I was hoping to find something similar to the Marinco for the trailer side of the hookup. Maybe there is nothing like I describe so will either have to make it or hardwire as originally done.

[easyride]

Just went on ebay and found the trailer connector like used on my 77 Overlander.it is the female and the plug,you would need to connect the male to your 7 pin flat pigtail.Ebay # 350335411960.Hope this is what you are looking .Dave

[overlander64]

Greetings SilverHoot!

Originally Posted by SilverHoot

My 67 had the plug hardwired and I am replacing ALL the wiring on my trailer. The old plug and cord are weathered and need replacing anyways. How do the newer trailers connect to the tow vehicle? Pics anyone? I'm thinking that instead of a cord being hardwired, there would be a plug at both ends, one on the trailer and one on the TV. I did some searching and can't find pics of what I'm describing. I was hoping to find something similar to the Marinco for the trailer side of the hookup. Maybe there is nothing like I describe so will either have to make it or hardwire as originally done.

What you suggest has been used by Airstream beginning sometime in the 1970s. One of the biggest differences is that the connector cable wiring in the coaches with this feature is above the floor while I believe the '67 still had the junction box under the coach in the front curbside corner. The wiring can be re-routed from the junction box to achieve what you describe, but it will create two more junction points for possible corossion to develop. I looked into doing this on my '64 Overlander and decided to go with the original hardwire. The parts are readily available and I found them from the following sources:



Seven Conductor Socket (Heavy Duty Truck Type)
Two of these were needed - - one for trailer and one for tow vehicle



Seven-Conductor Coiled Cable Trailer Connector
One of these would be needed -- it inclues the molded-on connectors.

Both alternatives have their advantages and disadvantages. With the hardwired umbilical cord, the cable is always there and ready - - but also means that anyone with the correct tow vehicle end could possibly tow your coach away -- this method means that the connector is always exposed to the weather increasing the probability of corossion. With the separate umbilical cord, you have a little less exposure to corossion on the connector ends -- this method also allows you to keep the umbilical locked away making it much more difficult for a theif to tow your coach away.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[SilverHoot]

Dave and Kevin, thank you! I can move mine above the floor as is done on the later model Airstreams since I am completely rewiring and will have all interior panels removed. I need to see how it is done and then maybe I will have some more ideas on changing mine. Thanks!

[overlander64]

I knew that there was a photo-illustrated thread that showed the interior and exterior sides of the trailer side of the connector. That thread can be found at:

Replacing Seven Pin Connector

I hope this thread helps to answer your questions.

Kevin

[BIGED52]

I am also interested in doing this on my '67. Silverhoot, When you get to yours please post pics and describe what all you needed to do to get this done. Thanks, Ed

[SilverHoot]

Ed,

Definitely will do, when I figure out what exactly I come up with. Have an idea, course all my ideas don't always work!