Recommended Replacements for Factory 4-Pole Trailer Connector on 1999 Dodge Dakota

Updated 04/05/2016 | Published 04/01/2016

Products Featured in This Question

16 Gauge, 4 Conductor Bonded Parallel Wire - Per Foot

(237)

$2.82

Hopkins Endurance 5-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End - Ergonomic Design

(51)

$13.20

Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 48" Harness and Ergonomic Pull

(52)

$11.13

Question:

i have a 1999 dodge dakota sport club cab, i am wondering what would be best to replace my 4 way flat connector since it is bent and warped. Im not entirely sure since the wires i have are different from the other connectors i have looked up online. and would splicing another connector on be better or is there a better piece in general to fix it

asked by: Tyler

Expert Reply:

You have two alternatives for replacing your factory 4-pole trailer connector. First, you can simply abandon the old connector by taping it up out of the way and use what's called a T-Connector like part # 118329. A T-Connector would plug inline with the factory connector between the vehicle's taillight wiring harness and the taillight assemblies. This solution works well, but if your trailer has more lighting than one pair of stop/turn/taillights at the rear you'll want retain the factory wiring harness by cutting off the old plug and splicing in a new one.

If you decide to go that route, For a 4 pole I'd recommend the # HM48030 from Hopkins. The connector is designed to make connecting and disconnecting your trailer wiring easy, without damaging the connector by pulling on the wires instead of the plug. The connector would wire up color for color, and I'd recommend using heat shrink butt connectors like part # DW05744-5 to make the connection. The extra blue wire shown in your photo is connected to the taillight circuit, and would be used with a 5 pole connector like # HM47900 if you were towing a boat trailer that had a hydraulic coupler with an electric lockout.

expert reply by: Mike L