Can 7-Way Wiring be Used to Power Headache Rack Lighting Functions

Question

Question:

i am going to purchase the said wiring harness. I also want to tie in my headache rack lights to this harness rather than the factory truck wiring. The rack does have 3 lights on each side tail, turn and reverse light. What is the best wiring with the correct voltage to use to tie into with. Also do you happen to have the color indicator on the wiring harness that i am going to purchase so i can connect the correct turn light, tail light etc from the rack to it. Please and thank you

asked by: Thomas G

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The problem with using 7-way wiring for a headache rack is that there isn't a dedicated stoplight circuit so if the rack has a third brake light you won't find the correct circuit at this harness. The turn signals, running lights, and reverse lights are present though with the # HM42137. I attached a diagram that shows where you'll find them.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

click to enlarge

Thomas G.

7/29/2020

so does this mean i can use the wire harness that has the attached part number in your response. Also what type of wire would you recommend to come from the rack lights to the plug if you are recommending this plug.

Jon G.

8/5/2020

You can use the Hopkins # HM42137 wiring kit if your 2000 - 2009 Dodge Ram (various models) has the factory 7-Way. If you plan on using this solely for the lighting on the rack then I'd just use a trailer connector like part # PK12706 and the desired length of 16 Gauge Wire # 16-4B-1 to connect the rack lights to this connector. Otherwise just use this same 16 Gauge Wire and splice it into the back of that 7-Way.

Answer 1

You have the right idea here and based on what you have told me resistors are the answer. You would need to install Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals #DI34ZR. When you add resistors you need one per power wire. Alternatively you could also use…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hey Ricardo! Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C82RJ is the hitch Curt is working on for the new 2027 Telluride. This is a pre-order since Curt hasn't finished the design. It does not include wiring. The wiring harness for the 2027 is also up…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Both the Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars are great options. But if it was my decision to make I would go with the Blue Ox Avail part #BX7420 as we have found that the Blue Ox tow bars are a little easier to connect and disconnect from. Also this tow…

view full answer...

Answer 9

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

view full answer...

Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 11

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

No, it will not Bryan. The Redarc Tow-Pro Link item #RED57AR requires a USCAR port that comes with factory tow packages. The Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Towing Kit item #SH25VR, that fits your 2023 BMW X5, does not have this…

view full answer...

Can 7-Way Wiring be Used to Power Headache Rack Lighting Functions

Continue Researching