Installing 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2001 Winnebago

Updated 02/10/2015 | Published 02/09/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Adapter 6-Pole to 7-Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter

(126)

$23.84

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3444)

$120.64

Question:

I have an RV with a 6 pin connector, that i want to convert to a 7 pin blade connector to hook up my trailer. I am going to wire in a controller, when i looked at the wiring instructions for the 47435 adapter, my 6 pin does not have a 12 volt power supply. I know i have to run the blue wire from the controller to the 6 pin but but if I have to run a 12 volt power two then i will have to many wires. My six pin is wired as follows Top pin 12 o clock = Tail lights 2 o clock = Ground 4 o clock = left turn 8 o clock= Right turn 10 o clock = Brake lights center pole = back up lights. I have the free wire in the center pole to wire the brake controller wire but what do i do about the 12 volt power? will this connector work or how would i wire a 7 blade plug to this wire harness?

asked by: Frank T

Expert Reply:

From what you describe, your trailer connector isn't converted. Most trailers use the same bulb for brake lamps and turn signals, so the signals for the right turn and brake lamp are combined onto one circuit, and left turn/brake lamp are combined onto another. I wouldn't use the 47435 adapter, I have a better solution for you.

For starters, I'm assuming your trailer lamps operate as I mentioned above. If that's the case, you'll need to install a converter like # 119178KIT on the circuits feeding the existing trailer connector. Disconnect the existing wires from the rear of your 6-way. You'll also want to label them for function. You'd connect the inputs of the converter as follows: The circuit that fed the right turn circuit on the connector would connect to the green wire, circuit for left to the yellow, running lights to the brown, and ground to the white wire.

You'll need the # ETBC7 brake controller kit, which includes an adapter which will convert the 4 pole provided by the converter to a 7-way. Plug the converter 4 pole into the adapter. There'll be 4 loose wires remaining on the adapter that are connected as follows: the purple wire would connect to the reverse lamp circuit if needed, the white wire would ground to the vehicle frame, the blue wire and the black wire would be connected to the cable included in the kit and ran to the front of the vehicle. The kit includes a 25 foot length of duplex cable, but for an RV, you'll need some extra length. You'll probably need another 25 feet or so, the wire is sold by the foot as part # 10-2-1. At the front of the vehicle, one wire would connect to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp breaker included in the kit. The other would pass through the firewall and connect to the blue output wire on your brake controller.

I'll link you to the instructions for the ETBC7 kit, our Trailer Wiring FAQ article and an install video that you might find helpful. The video shows the kit being installed on a Chevy Express van, but the procedure for your Winnebago would be very similar.

expert reply by: Mike L