Can One Of The Five Wires On A 5-Way Trailer Connector Be Used For Backup Lights On A Trailer

Published 10/20/2010

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Adapter 7 Pole to 5 Pole Flat Wired Adapter

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$15.86

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$13.03

Question:

on the model # A57WB, do you have a wiring diagram? going from 7 pole to 5 what are the 5? I am wanting to hook up a trailer with backup lights and was curious if one of the 5 is for backup lights.

asked by: nick a

Expert Reply:

The 5-way flat trailer connector is most commonly found on boat trailers that have hydraulic brakes. The fifth wire is hooked up to the reverse light circuit on the vehicle which then sends a signal to the hydraulic coupler to disengage the trailer brakes when the vehicle is put in reverse.

If you are not going to use the fifth wire on the 5-way to disengage your brakes on your trailer you could run the fifth wire on your trailer connector to the backup lights on the trailer. You will want to test the center pin on the 7-way connector on your vehicle with a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, to make sure the center pin is wired for your backup lights.

The five wires and functions on a 5-way flat connector are:
White wire - Ground
Green wire - Right turn/Brake
Yellow wire - Left turn/Brake
Brown wire - Taillights
Blue wire - Reverse light circuit

I am sending you a link to a FAQ page on trailer wiring.