Question Was Asked By - Brian W

6 way square to 4 way flat connection not working on 1997 Dutchman Pop-UP Tent Trailer

Question:

I bought a used 1997 Dutchmen pop-up tent trailer. It has a 6 way square plug on the trailer. My Kia van has a 4 way flat. The trailer has a wire that plugs into the 6-way trailer and they attached a 4 way flat to it. But when I hook-up to my vehicle 4 way flat I get: - only rt tail light works with running lights, no others - all running lights on trailer lights up when I use the brake - only one turn signal works. I checked grounds, they seem oK, cleaned. I think the problem is in wire harness from 6-way square to 4 way flat. How do I wire this?

asked by: Brian W

Expert Reply:

As long as your vehicle is wired properly, Green right turn and stop, Yellow left turn and stop, Brown running lights and White ground, then you will have to figure out how the trailer is wired. If the adapter you are talking about was purchased and not hard wired then it could be the 4-way flat to 6-way square adapter for a Jayco RV, item # 30104, and those adapters are wired differently than most other trailers with 6-way connectors and this could be why your lights are not functioning properly.

You can use a circuit tester, 3808, and test the connections at the adapter and then test the trailer end to figure out which wires are wired improperly. Once you know which wires are supposed to go to each taillight and which wires are used for the accessory functions you will be able to rewire the adapter to work with your vehicle and trailer. The additional wires on the 6-pole connector are blue and red which should be for brakes and auxiliary power.

It may be easier to purchase a 4-way trailer end connector and a 6-pole square wiring kit and make your own adapter from the trailer to the vehicle by splicing the correct wires together on the two connectors. If you do not tow other trailers you could rewire the connector on the vehicle to connect directly to the trailer with the 6-pole connectors.

expert reply by: Bob G

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