Can Both a 4-Way and 7-Way Connector on a 2016 Ford F-350 be Used at the Same Time

Updated 07/17/2018 | Published 07/15/2018

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Question:

Can I use both 4 pin and seven at same time? Truck camper and trailer hook up. Factory ford will not allow due to covers.

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

On a 4- and 7-Way connector such as # 30955 you could potentially use both at the same time but only if the combined power draw is less than what the tow package wiring on the truck is rated for. If you go over what it is rated for it will blow fuses and/or relays depending on how much you are over the rating.

Using LED lights will help reduce the amount of draw on the system since they draw a fraction of the power of incandescent bulbs.

You can look at how much power draw there will be by adding up the draw of everything that will be connected to the trailer connectors. This may require the use of a meter such as # PT89ZR. I would check the items drawing power from one connector at a time. Then you can compare that to what each of the circuits is fused at. So for example if the total amount of power draw that will be on the running light circuit is 15 amps but the running light fuse for the tow package is only rated at 10 amps you will overdraw that circuit.

Putting in a larger fuse is not recommended because there are other components within the electrical system that could be adversely affected by the additional power draw.

expert reply by: Michael H