Wiring Small Trailer With 4-Way Connector To Match Towing Vehicle 4-Way Wiring

Updated 07/07/2016 | Published 07/06/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins 4-Way Flat Trailer Wiring Kit - Vehicle and Trailer Ends

(29)

$6.32

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

Recently purchased and installed a Curt T-connector W/ 4-flat for my 2014 Rav4. Even more recently, I purchased a house, and with it came a small utility trailer with electric brakes and a round connector. Interestingly, the electric brakes are illegal since the trailer is so small and given the light weight there is no reason to use them. I see several connectors on the site, but it seems many of them support connecting a 4-pin trailer to a 7-pin vehicle and not the reverse. Can you please point me to the least expensive solution for this connection? Least expensive only because use of the trailer is probably a one-yearly event... ! :- Thank you,

asked by: Eric P

Expert Reply:

My best recommendation is to first make sure the brakes are not needed on the trailer. If you find that is the case you can cut off the 7-way connector on the trailer and just use the 4-way wiring for the turn, running, and brake lights on the trailer. If brakes were put on the trailer by the manufacturer there may be a requirement for the trailer. If the brakes were installed by the owner, then you may be right that they are not needed.

I recommend using part # HM48205. This comes with both the vehicle and the trailer ends. Just attach the 4-way connector to the appropriate wires on the trailer for a functioning connector without brakes.

I have attached a helpful article that has a chart showing what the wire functions are for a trailer. You can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the wires by function on the trailer and also on the vehicle to make sure you wire the new 4-way correctly.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L