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

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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

Hey Mark! All three of these etrailer jacks - the #e72QV 3,500 lb, the #e22QV 3,500 lb with SnapPad, and the #e82QV 5,000 lb with SnapPad - are powered directly through your truck’s 7-way plug. So with your Silverado’s factory 7-way, you can simply…

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Answer 6

Hey Rick! The 5,000 lb capacity on the etrailer Electric Trailer Jack #e55ZV you were looking at would be the best option. This will keep it from struggling to lift the rear of your truck and trailer when setting up your weight distribution hitch.…

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Answer 7

Hey, Richard. Happy to help! Yes, you can plug the etrailer Electric Trailer Jack part #e74GV into your OEM 7-way plug on your 2016 GMC Sierra 2500.

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Answer 8

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 9

Hey John, I ran out to our warehouse and pulled one of the jacks #e74GV to get that measurement for you. It was a little difficult with how its packed but the length of that jack cable comes in at 48" long. Do you know roughly how much you would…

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Answer 10

Hi Mark; the only jack like that is the Lippert Power Stance Electric Trailer Jack #LC89VR but it exceeds the amount you're looking to spend. If you're fine with one that only runs off of the 7-way then I recommend the etrailer Electric…

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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

Hi Tim; since the #e55ZV works with the battery we can rule out the wiring as the issue. I'm not sure how you have it connected to the 7-way, but it isn't getting enough power off of your 7-way to run the jack. Most electric trailer jacks are…

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

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