Trailer Connector Adapter for Towing a Trailer with a Female 4-Way Trailer Connector
Updated 03/22/2013 | Published 03/20/2013
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
HELP!! I have a 2005 Ford Expedition with a standard factory 4-wire female connector. I purchased a kayak trailer kit from Malone Auto Racks in Maine, and assembled it last weekend. Unfortunately, the trailer 4-wire connector is also female! When I called Malone, they said most 4-wire vehicle connectors are male, but they were aware that some large SUVs have female connectors. Their only suggestion was that I purchase a male/male adapter to connect the two female connectors! I have not been able to find such an animal online...do you have them? Thanks
asked by: Michael K
Expert Reply:
I am not sure why your kayak trailer came with a female 4-way connector. In the trailer industry, the tow vehicle uses a female style trailer connector and the trailer uses a male style connector. This is the general rule. I have not heard of a vehicle coming with a male style trailer connector of any type. I have attached a photo showing what the vehicle side connector should look like and what the trailer side connector should look like.
There are two solutions for this situation. It is not the easiest solution, but I would recommend cutting off the 4-way connector on your trailer and adding a trailer end 4-way connector like part # 18004. You may want to contact Malone Auto Racks to make sure this would not void any type of warranty, but this will make your trailer compatible with any vehicle that has a 4-way connector.
The easiest solution would be to use an extension loop with two male ends like part # RM-300150-00. This would make the connector on the trailer compatible with the connector on your Expedition, but this loop would need to stay with the trailer to tow the trailer with another vehicle.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Extension Loop for Towed Vehicles - Dual 4-Way Flat Trailer Ends - 6' Long
- Shop: Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Search Results: c96jr
- Video: DIY Install: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit on your 2024 Jeep Wrangler
- Video: Setting up the Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles on a 2023 Jeep Wrangler
- Video: Roadmaster Extension Loop for Towed Vehicles Feature Review
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Video: Installation: Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles on a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Shop: Hopkins Knockout Adapter for 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Hopkins Heavy-Duty Trailer Coiled Wire Adapter for 7-Way to 4-Wire Flat
- Shop: Hopkins Endurance, Flex-Coil Trailer Connector Adapter - 7-Way to 5-Way or 4-Way Flat with Nite-Glow
- Q&A: Does Blue Ox Patriot Braking System Need to be Reset After Shutting Off
- Q&A: Comparing the Blue Ox Patriot 2 and Patriot BLU37TR Portable Braking Systems
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Adapter 7 Pole to 4 Pole with Flex-Coil Wire and Nite-Glow (TM)
- Video: Review of the Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Search Results: weight safe
- Search Results: tekonsha trailer brake controller
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Lack of 12V Power at 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2019 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Does Trailer Lighting Ground Through the Hitch Ball
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: e98984
- Video: Review of etrailer Base Plates - Adapter for Roadmaster Tow Bars - e98984
- Q&A: Fuse Location for 12-Volt Accessory Feed to 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2005 Chevy Silverado
- Search Results: blue ox patriot 3