is it possible to use the 4 pin connector on my car with an adapter?

[groovzilla]

all,

newbie here - just purchased a 26' overlander that i am gutting/restoring - my trailer came with the main towing light 7 wire harness cut and has no connector - just the 7 wires that i have cleaned and are ready for a connectpr.
my suv has the popular 4 pin connecter which i use towing my boat shown in the photo.

since i will need to get a connector for the trailer wires, i was wondering if they make a connector to connect the 7 wire trailer wire to my 4 pin connector (which is currently installed on my suv) using an adapter?? if not what are my options?

[RM66caravel]

In the case of emergency transport needs it may work. 1. You will need to hook it up correctly lights and ground. 2. You will not have brakes or a charging system.
Cliff

[m.hony]

The 4 pin connector is for trailers that do not have electric brakes.
When connected, you will have running lights, brake lights, and turn signals only.
Your boat may be light and have no brakes or it may have a tongue/surge brake system.
Also, to have working trailer brakes, in addition to having the seven way RV trailer plug, you will need an electric brake controller installed in the tow vehicle.
All parts/labor to modify the tow vehicle should be in the $150-$200 range.
Then, there is the issue of weight distribution and anti sway control, a $400 retrofit/upgrade.
So, for about $550-$600 you can be setup to tow anything safely- up to the limits/capacities of the tow vehicle...

[dwightdi]

Many trucks come with a std. 7 flat pin connector. Walmart and others sell a 7 flat pin std. connector to 4 round pin adapters for around $6. You get no electric brakes. Good enough for short term transport, till you get time to buy proper equipment.

[BIGED52]

You can order a seven pin umbilical cord to replace the one on your trailer from several places. InlandRV.com, VintageTrailerSupply.com, OutofDoors Mart.com, CampingWorld.com, and many others. It installs under your trailer. You will find a junction box under a square patch behind the A-Frame on the bellypan of your trailer. Match up the wires (color coded) and change the wires to match your TV connector plug for what is needed on the trailer. You can look for the wiring guide for the plug here on the forums. Use the search function tab at the blue bar above and use keywords such as umbilical and wiring harness etc. to find this info. Hope this helps, Ed

[ROBERT CROSS]

This is the connector I use when towing the boat....

Plugged into the 4 pin on the boat cord.


The receptacle on our TV does have a 4pin, I have the B/U camera wired to the parking lights.


Bob

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

This is the connector I use when towing the boat....

Plugged into the 4 pin on the boat cord.


The receptacle on our TV does have a 4pin, I have the B/U camera wired to the parking lights.


Bob

Bob, Wouldn't this adapter being used depend on knowing which 4 wires could be used from the trailer umbilical cord to power the turn signals & marker/brake lights etc.? I was to understand that the trailer connectors end was MIA, Ed

[groovzilla]

Originally Posted by m.hony

The 4 pin connector is for trailers that do not have electric brakes.
When connected, you will have running lights, brake lights, and turn signals only.
Your boat may be light and have no brakes or it may have a tongue/surge brake system.
Also, to have working trailer brakes, in addition to having the seven way RV trailer plug, you will need an electric brake controller installed in the tow vehicle.
All parts/labor to modify the tow vehicle should be in the $150-$200 range.
Then, there is the issue of weight distribution and anti sway control, a $400 retrofit/upgrade.
So, for about $550-$600 you can be setup to tow anything safely- up to the limits/capacities of the tow vehicle...

**with the 4 to 7 pin setup would i have running/clearance lights?

i have the airstream wiring diagram for the tow lights but haven't studied the issue - too busy water sealing all the vents on the roof before the winter rains set it - we have great weather in seattle - beautifully sunny in the mid 40's-50.

thanks in advance!

[groovzilla]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

This is the connector I use when towing the boat....

Plugged into the 4 pin on the boat cord.


The receptacle on our TV does have a 4pin, I have the B/U camera wired to the parking lights.


Bob

this looks like a winner - the male end would be on the trailer lead.