Wiring 2008 Honda Ridgeline to Power Reverse Lock-Out Solenoid on Hydraulic Trailer Coupler

Updated 12/04/2012 | Published 11/28/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(91)

$59.98

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.61

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(98)

$9.89

Question:

I need reverse lights to be in this hook up so the trailer brakes will release when i back up. I noticed on one of the adapters there were extra wires hanging. Question is, does the plug that mounts under the bumper and hooks up to the t connector plug have a way of having a hot line? Does it also have extra wires that I need to splice? Thanks

asked by: Charlie C

Expert Reply:

From your previous question, it looks like your trailer uses a 7-way connector, is that correct?

If this is the case, you would begin by installing the # C55585 wiring harness you mentioned. You would then use a 4-pole to 7-way adapter, part # 37185. This adapter would simply plug into the 4-pole you installed, and will have 4 additional wires that might need to be connected according to your needs.

The white wire with the ring terminal would need to be grounded to the trailer frame. The blue wire would typically provide output voltage from the trailer brake controller to the trailer brakes. Since you are using a hydraulic coupler, you could bundle this blue wire up and out of the way for future use. The black wire would provide voltage to maintain a trailer-mounted battery or other trailer mounted accessory like interior lighting. If you would like this circuit to be active, this wire can be extended with a length of 10 gauge wire, part # 10-1-1 and ran to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker, part # 9510. If you do not need this circuit, you could also bundle this wire up out of the way. The purple wire would be extended and tapped into the reverse light circuit. To locate the correct wire, use a circuit tester like part # 40376. Have a helper shift the transmission into reverse while you probe the wires behind the tail light assembly with the circuit tester. Once you find the circuit that powers the reverse light, you can tap the purple wire into it. The 7-way on the trailer would need to be wired so that the center pin of the connector is connected to the reverse lock-out solenoid of your hydraulic coupler.

If your trailer uses a 5-pole flat trailer connector, you could use a 4-pole to 5-pole adapter, like part # 47515. The extra blue wire would tap into the reverse light circuit of the tow vehicle, as shown in the video I have linked you to.

I have also linked you to out Trailer Wiring FAQ article that you might find helpful.