Adapting 5-Way Round to 4-Way Flat for a Motorcycle

Updated 10/18/2016 | Published 10/17/2016

Question:

I have a 2000 HD FLHR with a sidecar fitted. I have now acquired a tow hich with the round 5 pin connector. My trailer is a normal flat 4 pin connector. What do I need to connect the two? Cheers,

asked by: Joe L

Expert Reply:

The 5-Way on your Harley might actually have separate circuits each for brake lights, left turn signal, and right turn signal. A 4-Way will have the brake lights and turn signals on the same circuits. To tow a trailer that has combined wiring with a motorcycle that has separate wiring I recommend converting the Harley connector to match the other bike and the trailer.

All you will need is a converter, # 119178. On the input side you will connect the wires from the bike's 5-Way. The red wire on the converter is brake lights, green is right turn signal, yellow is left turn signal, brown is running lights, and white is ground.

If you don't want to remove the 5-Way on the Harley you can just tap into the wires. Just make sure to keep the unused connector covered so it doesn't get wet or corroded and cause a short.

expert reply by: Jameson C