Testing a Vehicle Side 7-Way Trailer Connector for Proper Function

Question

Question:

How is checking a trailer connector done, specifically, and what tools are needed? I have a probe/clip/light tester circuit and a voltage tester with the black/red probes, and box with a dial on the side and a knob with different settings on the front. Will either of these items work?

asked by: Carol

0

Expert Reply:

To check the pins on the vehicle side 7-Way, you can use a circuit tester or the volt meter. The circuit tester will show you if a signal is coming through on the pin you are testing while the volt meter will tell you that and how much voltage is being sent. When you test the brake circuit pin on the 7-Way, it may be more beneficial to see how much voltage it is sending through.

If you are facing the 7-Way, using either tester, you will test for the proper signal as follows:

1 oclock position = 12 volt hot lead
3 oclock position = right turn/brake light
5 oclock position = brake controller output
7 oclock position = ground
9 oclock position = left turn/brake light
11 oclock position = tail and running lights
Center = reverse lights

You will need to have someone sit in the truck and run through each function while you test the pins. In order to determine the configuration on the trailer side, you will have to trace the wiring back from each pin. You an use the wiring diagrams I have linked for you.

While checking the connectors if you notice any corrosion build up or dirt inside or or in back of either connector, clean it out. A wire brush like a battery terminal brush works well.

You can also check the adjustment on the brakes to make sure they are not adjusted too tight. There is a a little wheel with teeth in it at the bottom back side of each assembly. Using a flathead screwdriver you can turn the wheel to adjust the brakes. I have included a link to a video that features our installer adjusting the brakes. Go to the 4 minute, 55 second mark.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Steven B.

8/7/2026

Dodge ram 2022. 3500 Electric Jack 5000 pound electric hook up is this compatible?

Heather A.

8/7/2026

@StevenB I’d be happy to help! I just want to make sure I understand what you’re looking to match up. Are you asking if a 5,000 lb electric trailer jack will work with your 2022 Ram 3500, or are you asking whether the jack’s electrical connection is compatible with the truck?

Answer 1

Hey Larry, welcome back! The distance your looking for is 23-1/4". From the top of the A-frame mounting bracket to the top of the motorhead on our etrailer Electric Trailer Jack item #e79GV is exactly 23-1/4". The jack measures 33"…

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Answer 2

Hey Jeff, on a lot of newer trucks the 12 volt accessory circuit of the 7-way isn't active until it senses an actual trailer on the wiring which would then mean that a jack like the part #e74GV would not work BUT if this is the case you can…

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Answer 3

Hey Brian, completely fair concern - and yes you can, so you won’t be stuck. The etrailer eclectic trailer jacks like 3,500lb #e72QV, 3,500lb with snappad #e22QV, and 5,000lb #e82QV include a manual emergency override. There’s a rubber cap on top of…

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Answer 4

Hey Pat! The doors on the Furrion Arctic RV Refrigerator w/ Freezer #FR46GD are not magnetic due to the type of stainless steel. If you want to use this fridge and add magnets, the only way to do it would be to add a magnetic board to the doors. We…

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Answer 5

It sure is Steve and welcome back! The etrailer Sidewind Trailer Jack w/ Drill Adapter item #e88GV is the correct jack if you don't want the SnapPad. This one is designed to fit the standard bolt pattern of an A-Frame trailer coupler and can be…

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Answer 6

Hey Jeff! Your thinking is mostly correct. The Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller #3430001 mounts on the trailer and uses your vehicle's brake light signal from the 4-way to know when you're braking. However, it also needs a constant…

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Answer 7

Hey Tom, great question! Both products provide an easy way to measure tongue weight, but they excel in different situations. The BTBRV Trailer Jack Foot Scale #BTBRV014 measures tongue weight at the trailer jack, so you don't need to position a…

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Answer 8

Hey Ben, the deciding factor is really where your current jack mounts and whether you want it to stay in that same location. If your enclosed trailer already has a standard A-frame jack opening and you’re happy with the jack staying in the center,…

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Answer 9

Hey Marcus! That's unfortunate, but yes, that is exactly where #e44QV makes sense. It replaces the drop leg inner tube on the etrailer Manual Sidewind Trailer Jacks like #e35YV, #e86AV, and #e38AV and adds the SnapPad setup at the same time. That…

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Answer 10

In a typical RV-style 7-way the 12V charge circuit is carried on the pin at the 1-o-clock position as you look at the socket from the rear of the vehicle. Please refer to the linked photo. The 12V feed from a vehicle 7-way can deliver just enough…

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Answer 11

Hey Matt. You can indeed power a electric tongue jack off of your tow vehicle's 7-way connector since you don't have a battery. I recommend the etrailer Electric Trailer Jack w/ 7-Way item #e74GV. This jack has a 5,000 lbs capacity and…

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Answer 12

The determine the correct replacement leaf spring on your 2021 Coachmen 259FKDS you'll need to lift your trailer frame so the spring is hanging freely and then measure from center-eye to center-eye, then for the equalizer you need to measure…

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Testing a Vehicle Side 7-Way Trailer Connector for Proper Function

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