Options for Extending 7-Way Vehicle-Side Connector while Towing Tent Trailer and Bike Rack

Updated 05/17/2016 | Published 05/13/2016

Products Featured in This Question

7-Way Trailer Adapter for Towing Trailers with LED Lights

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$33.73

7-Way Super Sealed Connector w/4' Cable - Car End

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$48.64

Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End

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TorkLift Wiring Harness Extension for 21" SuperTruss Hitch Extender - 7-Way RV

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Question:

Can the Curt Wiring C57003 adapter be used as an extension for a regular trailer tow situation. When I use our double hitch for a tent trailer and bike rack, Im about 3inch short. Its either drill holes in the hitch slide in to take up the slack, extend the existing wires or find an extension. I prefer plug and go. Thanks

asked by: Richard S

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but the Curt 7-Way Trailer Adpater for VW, Audi, and Porsch Towing Trailer with LED Lights # C57003 is designed for that specific application and would not work well if you do not have one of those manufactures as a tow vehicle.

For a plug and play option, you can use the TorkLift Wiring Harness Extension # TLW6021. This harness will offer much more than the 3 inch extension you are needing, so the excess on the extension will need to be kept off the ground while towing.

For a budget friendly option that gives you a short extension and will be a plug and play after an initial set-up, I recommend wiring together your own extension. You can use the 7-Way Super Sealed Connector with 4 Foot Cable # 50-87-004 and the 7-Way, RV-Style Trailer Connector # PK12706 to create an extension. With this option, you can choose to use all 2 feet of cable, or you can cut the wires so the extension is as short as you want. Also, using an extension will only make the connectors longer when you need them, rather than extending the plug on the camper and having the plug always be longer.

Once the 2 connectors are wired together, you will be set and from there on out it will be a plug and go set-up. These connectors will be wired together by wire function, not wire color.

For the # 50-87-004 connector, white is ground, blue is electric brakes, green is running lights, yellow is auxiliary, brown is right turn/stop, red is left turn/stop, and black is 12V power.

For the # PK12706 connector, when you are looking at the back of the connector where the wires are attached, the 1 o'clock position will be 12V power, 3 o'clock will be right turn/stop, 5 o'clock is electric brake controller output, 7 o'clock is ground, 9 o'clock is left turn/brake, and 11 o'clock is tail and running lights. I've attached a diagram showing these functions for you.