Recommended Way to Re-Wire a Boat Trailer with a 7-Way Plug

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Question:

I have a shorlander boat trailer with a 5 way connection. I have a marine 5 way to 7 way adapter I was told it is different than a standard 5 way - the extra pin is for reverse which deactivates the surge brakes..the wire is too short for my new vehicle. Will this have the correct 5 way adapter for my trailer.

asked by: Chris A

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Expert Reply:

The adapter will work but it's more of a short-term solution because of the potential corrosion issues in the future not to mention when you introduce additional connection points problems can arise.

I would test the reverse lockout (purple or blue wire) with a circuit tester with the 7-Way center pin. If that works you are good.

I would recommend rewiring the trailer with a 7-Way plug because it will prove to be more reliable than using an adapter. I would start with a trailer junction box # 38656 as it provides an easy way to connect wires from the trailer connector to the trailer wiring. You will also need a trailer connector RV style 7-Way blade # H20046 with 8-foot lead. You will then test the wiring with a circuit tester such as # PTW2992 to confirm each one's function as you make your connections.

Typically, the 5-Way Flat is used for trailers with surge brakes or hydraulic brakes. The additional wire is tapped into the backup lights to disengage the hydraulic trailer coupler (actuator) when the vehicle is reversing, thus turning off the trailer's brakes.

I would recommend dielectric grease such as # 11755 is used to keep moisture out of the electrical connections on your wiring and to inhibit corrosion.

I have included a couple FAQ's and installation videos for you as well.

expert reply by: Chris B

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Answer 1

You definitely could install the 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector #H20046 in place of the 5-way that is installed on your trailer currently. The colors wouldn't match up exactly. White would go to white, you would run both brown wires to the…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 5

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 6

We've had similar questions in the past that used the number you referenced and we were able to determine that the taillight kit replacement was the part #TLL160RK.

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Answer 7

The only difference between 7-Way Utility and 7-Way RV is the color of the wires. The pin outs are the exact same so either would work just fine with the other. If you check out the picture I attached you'll see that the functions are all the…

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Recommended Way to Re-Wire a Boat Trailer with a 7-Way Plug

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