Getting Reverse Lights to Work on a 2012 Nitro Z-9 Boat Trailer Towed by a 2006 Ford F-150

Question:

I have a 2006 Ford F-150 and a 2012 Nitro Z-9 boat. The truck has a flat 4 pin and a 7 round. The boat has a 5 pin flat. I can hook the 4 to the 5 pin but have no reverse lights. When I buy a 5 pin flat to 7 round I still have no reverse lights. Do you have something that will work or do I have to splice into the reverse light wire? Thanks for any help you can offer.

asked by: Jeff H

Expert Reply:

Many trailers actually do not have reverse lights but if yours does, you will want to check the center pin on the 7-Way connector on your truck to see if it is working. Use a circuit tester like # 3808 if needed to test the pin. If this pin does not show power when the vehicle is in reverse, then you will need to route a wire to the reverse light circuit on the truck to get it to work. It is also possible that you will need to check the fuse on the truck related to the reverse light circuit for the 7-Way. Use the owners manual to determine the location of fuses and relays.

It is also possible that your trailer has an electric reverse lockout. In this case, you will still need to have the reverse circuit connected on the truck side to get it to work.

A 4-Way only has the basic light functions and does not include reverse lights. A 5-Way flat would have another pin that is normally for an electric reverse lockout.

Adapter # HM47390, would be a good choice to go from a 7-Way to a 5-Way. On the trailer side, make sure the 5th pin is going to the function you want (lockout or reverse lights) otherwise you will need to re-wire the trailer side connector to be compatible.

expert reply by: Michael H