What is the Function of the 5th Pin on a Trailer Connector 5-Way Flat Connector
Question:
what is the 5th pin on the 5 way plug? I have a trailer with surge brakes and that pin needs to disable the brakes when backing up.
asked by: Troy
Expert Reply:
The 5th wire on a 5-Way flat connector is intended to connect to the vehicle's reverse light circuit. This is for the exact situation you described, so the 5th wire can signal a surge coupler's electric reverse lockout.
If you need a 5-Way flat trailer-side connector, you can use the Draw-Tite 5-Flat Trailer End 48 Inch Harness # 20017. This connector is designed for the 5th wire to carry the reverse light signal from the vehicle to the brake actuator.
The # 20017 connector will work well if you have a 5-Way flat vehicle side connector on your tow vehicle. If you have a 7-Way round, blade-style connector, an adapter like the Optronics Adapter 7 Pole to 5 Pole Flat # A75TB.
If you have a different wiring set-up on your tow vehicle and need to make it compatible with the 5-Way flat wiring on the trailer, feel free to tell me more about your tow vehicle set-up and I will be happy to make a more specific recommendation.
Products Referenced in This Question
5-Flat Trailer End 48" Harness
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 5 Flat
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-, 5- and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End - Ergonomic Design
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- Plug Only
- 4 Flat
- 5 Flat
- 7 Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Types of Bumpers
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Silver - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Review of Demco Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - 12564
- Shop: Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter
- Search Results: base plates
- Search Results: 13146
- Shop: Demco Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 5-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Curt Replacement OEM USCAR Trailer Connector - Dual Connection - 7-Way RV Style and 4-Way Flat
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 10,000 lbs
- Search Results: demco coupler
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Malone Anti-Rattle HitchLock System
- Video: Feature Review Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Video: Review of Demco Weld-On Gooseneck Coupler Head Assembly - DM93KV
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Does Demco Coupler part # 12564 Come with Install Bolts
- Search Results: brake away switch
- Q&A: Can a 4-Way Trailer Connector be Plugged Into a 5-Way Vehicle End Trailer Connector
- Search Results: mpg908
- Search Results: surge brake parts
- Q&A: Converting Trailer from 5-Way Connector to a 7-Way by Function
- Q&A: One of Four Trailer Brakes Wont Release when Plugged Into a 2005 Chevy Silverado
on Trailer Wiring
Drew
5/14/2020
I have a similar situation. On my truck, I have a 4 pin flat connector and I need either a 5 pin or a 7 pin. Whichever actuates the reverse lockout.