Compatibility of 4-Pole Harness 118520 with 7-Way Socket HM48470  

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Expert Reply:

Tow Ready T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118520 is a confirmed fit on your 2013 Mazda CX-9 that did not come with factory tow package wiring. This harness plugs in at the taillight assemblies (and connects to your battery) to provide stop/turn/tail light signals to your trailer.

A 7-way like Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow Connector # HM48470 carries those same lighting signals and also can carry additional circuits if they are connected. Usually a 7-way also has trailer 12V power, trailer brake and reverse light circuits added to the basic stop/turn/tail light functions. If you refer to the linked article you'll see the various connector formats and their usual functions.

If you wanted to permanently convert this 4-pole flat type connector to the 7-way RV-style format, like what is supported by Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow Connector # HM48470, you could do so by cutting off the 4-pole and wiring the 4- leads at the back of the Hopkins socket. Keep in mind those three extra circuits will NOT be active unless you make those additional circuit connections.

If you are looking for an adapter to temporarily convert a 4-pole to a 7-way format you can use part # 37185 which allows for simple plug-in installation to the 4-pole harness, no cutting or splicing required.

If you want the CX-9 to have a fully-functional 7-way socket with all circuits active, then you will need to install the basic 4-pole harness # 118520 and add part # ETBC7 which includes all other components to have a functional 7-way socket on the car.

expert reply by: Adam R

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