Replacing Trailer End 4-Pole Connector That Has 8 Wires

Updated 08/03/2024 | Published 04/14/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard

(907)

$46.90

Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Color Coded Terminals - ABS

(487)

$12.41

Ring Terminal -16-14 Gauge - 1/4" Ring ID - Qty. 1

(65)

$1.25

Wesbar 4-Pole Flat Connector w/ Jacketed Cable - Trailer End - 4' Long

(150)

$15.05

Wesbar 4-Pole Flat Connector w/ Jacketed Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long

(119)

$23.26

Wesbar 4-Pole Flat Connector w/ Jacketed Cable - Trailer End - 10' Long

(43)

$29.29

Question:

What part do I need for a 4 way connector replacement on the trailer end. I snipped off the old connector and found that it doesn’t have 4 wires, but it has 8. 3 white, 3 brown, 1 yellow, 1 green. I did buy a trailer end connector that you place the wires end and snap the cover to replace, but I don’t think all those wires are going to fit in there. Again, is there a specific part that I need for this type of wire configuration? Thanks for any advice.

asked by: Carlos

Helpful Expert Reply:

For starters, a quick-fix type connector shown in your photo is typically a good choice for an emergency repair, but I wouldn't use it as a permanent fix.

It looks like your trailer wiring has 3 separate grounds and 3 separate running lamp circuits for some reason. This is kind of a strange setup, but if everything worked fine beforehand, there really wouldn't be any need to change that at this point. Your suspicion is correct, I don't believe all those wires will fit in there either.

For a long lasting, bulletproof installation that you won't need to mess with ever again (unless you pull off after forgetting to plug the trailer in and destroy the trailer connector), I'd recommend using a junction box like # 3375601101 as a good place to make all those connections. The wiring connections will be neatly done and protected from moisture and dirt/grime. To replace the actual 4-pole, I'd recommend a heavier duty option like the Wesbar # W787264 for a 4 foot, # W787268 for an 8 foot or # W787270 for a 10 foot trailer end pigtail. you'll also need ring terminals like part # DW05702-1 to make the connections.

This setup will make for a much cleaner and reliable installation. Should the trailer end pigtail become damaged in the future, it'll only take a couple of minutes to replace the pigtail, without needing to remove yards of electrical tape.

expert reply by: Mike L

Customer Submitted Photo
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Luis T.

7/15/2024

I have the same issue . How did you resolve this problem.

Brian

8/2/2024

So you'd connect all 4 whites and 4 brown wires on one terminal in the junction box?

Mike L.

8/3/2024

@Brian It would depend on their function. Typically white is the ground and brown is the running lamp circuit. The grounds would connect to one terminal, along with a jumper that's grounded to the trailer frame and the white wire from the trailer connector. The brown wires would attach to one terminal, which is also where you'd attach the brown wire from the trailer connector.