Troubleshooting Gooseneck Trailer Wiring Connection with Tow Vehicle

Updated 05/07/2019 | Published 05/04/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End

(741)

$14.85

Mighty Cord 7-Way RV-Style Trailer Connector w/ Molded Cable - Trailer End - 6' Long

(207)

$39.03

LCD Digital Circuit Tester

(28)

$28.06

Question:

My truck will connect with every gooseneck trailer but mine. I hooked my truck to another trailer and it connected but when i hook my truck with my trailer there is no connection at all.My truck and trailer works just fine with other trucks and trailer but when i put my truck and trailer together I get nothing I have a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

asked by: Allen H

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have tested your truck with other trailers and your trailer with other trucks and have found the wiring circuits to connect and function correctly. This tends to suggest that there is just an issue between the two specific connectors. 7-way sockets and plugs like # PK11893 that you referenced and # A10-7W6 will vary slightly in their fit with one another so in some cases one or more circuits in the 7-way, such as the trailer brake circuit for example, may not make good enough contact.

You can inspect both connectors to check for contacts that may be bent. This could mean that they do not make enough physical contact with each other to complete the circuit. The fix could be as simple as gently bending a contact using a small screwdriver so that it puts more pressure on the mating part in the other connector. If you have a circuit tester like # PTW2992 you can test each pin on the truck 7-way while a helper activates each function.

If only certain specific 7-way functions are not working you can refer to the linked diagram to see the pin that carries each different lighting, brake power or 12V auxiliary power function. This will help you focus on the specific circuit.

expert reply by: Adam R