Installing Trailer Brake Wiring to Existing 4-Way Trailer Wiring

Updated 05/29/2019 | Published 05/25/2019

Question:

I have a 4 pole plug on my my boat trailer with 5 wires. I have installed new electric brakes. Can they be wired into this five wire setup?

asked by: David L

Expert Reply:

Since you already have the 4-way trailer connector like # 18004, to add your electric brakes you simply will use the Hopkins Endurance 5-Way Flat Trailer Wiring Kit - Vehicle and Trailer Ends - Ergonomic Design # HM47890 and match color for color with your existing 4-way. The 5th pin will be used for your trailer brakes instead of a reverse light which is the other typical application for 5-way wiring using that blue wire on the trailer side. The same will be done on the vehicle side with the 5th pin blue wire connected to your electric trailer brake controller output.

I've attached a wiring article to assist. I've also linked the page to your brake controller options to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S