Should 5-Way be Able to Plug Into Vehicle 4-Way and Still Function

Updated 07/07/2020 | Published 07/06/2020

Products Featured in This Question

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(113)

$50.94

Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter

(262)

$16.23

Question:

I recently installed the Tekonsha 118569 to my 2018 Acura RDX and went to test iron my boat trailer. I noticed that my boat trailer has a five-way flat connector while the kit has only four. I plugged it in anyways to see if it would work, but no lights worked on the trailer. Despite the different plugs, should some of the lights worked? Do I need an adapter to make the four-way connector on the fit work with a five-way plug on the trailer? If so, what would you recommend?

asked by: Rolf R

Expert Reply:

If you plug a 5-way into a 4-way all of the trailer lights should still function like normal with only the 5th circuit not being active. You'll probably need the fifth circuit active so you can back the trailer up without the brakes locking up and for that you'd want the # 20036.

For more info on troubleshooting the 4-way check out the help article I attached for troubleshooting tips.

expert reply by: Jameson C