Replacing a 6-Way Trailer Connector in Truck Bed with a 7-Way

Updated 05/30/2018 | Published 05/27/2018

Question:

Can I cut the wires to the 6 pin female plug and wire it to a 7 pin flat blade. I have a 5th wheel with electric brakes. Is this possible?

asked by: John R

Helpful Expert Reply:

You sure can. I recommend using a 7-way with wire leads like part # HM47210. This way the wire connections are easier to make.

Your 6-way is probably lacking the reverse light circuit which may not even be needed on your trailer. On the # HM47210 connector that's the purple wire. It connects to your truck's reverse lights or if you don't need it you don't need to make that connection. The other wires will work function for function from your 6-way to the 7-way. Just make sure to keep track of which wire is which on your truck when you cut the 6-way off. It'll make it a lot easier later so you don't have to figure out which wire is which. I definitely wouldn't rely on wire color for your truck.

The new 7-way uses pretty traditional wire coloring:

White - Ground
Yellow - Left Turn and Left Brake Lights
Green - Right Turn and Right Brake Lights
Brown - Tail Lights
Red - Auxillary Power
Blue - Electric Brake Output
Purple - Reverse Lights

I've also linked a help article on trailer wiring for you.