'77 Argosy (24) wiring harness to tow vehicle, 7 pin?

[Lobi]

Picking up our new project Wednesday morning. Seller doesn't recall what harness to tow vehicle looks like. My 07 Tahoe has the factory (round) 7 pin reciever. Is the camper going to plug in to that? Have had several modern campers but this will be our first at something vintage.
Thanks!

[Belegedhel]

Well....that trailer should have a 7 pin connection. But...In the 70's, the standard wiring configuration did not match today's modern standards. So the real question is, has some previous owner reconfigured the trailer or created some kind of adapter, etc. so that it will work with a modern tow vehical? In addition to that, the original config would have used an umbilical with round pins instead of flat blades--lots of variables--might be a good plan B to bring temporary tow lights and a long extension, and plan to not have brakes...

good luck!

[Lobi]

umm, yea. Not what I wanted to hear but not surprised either. This is going to be an adventure

[Trnpk Crsr]

In the 70’s, Airstream used a Pollack connector with round pins. eTrailer sells a Pollack to Bargman adapter.

[Belegedhel]

Some other things to consider are the age of the tires, and when the bearings were last packed with grease. Also be sure you have the right sized ball (should be 2 5/16"). Make sure all doors hatches, etc. are properly latched, and bring something to ensure the door doesn't fly open (do a search for "doohickey" and you will see what others have done). Condition of the "house" battery is also important (as your breakaway switch, if functional, won't do anything with a dead battery).

If this trailer is something that has been in use in the recent past, you might luck out and have good rubber, configured wiring, working trailer brakes, and greasy bearings. If it has sat abandoned in a backyard for the last 30 years, then assume the worst. Do a search on these forums for "recovery" and you should see several threads describing best practices for bringing home neglected vintage trailers.

good luck!

[Lobi]

Thanks to all who responded.
Got lucky on the harness, seems it's already upgraded to modern 7 pin. House battery, hubs, hitch ball, etc will all be addressed. Been pulling campers for years, just new to antique camper pulling.

[Lobi]

Update to our adventure in towing home the Argosy.
Well, the harness was updated to a modern 7 pin but pigtail was very short. The drop hitch I brought along couldn't be used because it placed the ball further back from the tow vehicle. Harness plug wouldn't reach receptacle. Other hitch towed a little nose high but allowed plugging in camper for lights and brakes. Even then, a sharp right turn would pull the plug. Made it home safe. Avatar pic shows her sitting patiently in the snow for spring to arrive.