Adding 7-Way Trailer Connector to 2018 Maserati Levante for Boat Trailer With Surge Coupler

Updated 12/02/2020 | Published 11/30/2020

Question:

Hi, I have a 2018 Maserati Levante.. 2 questions: 1 it has a factory hitch vertical mount, with 4 pin wiring. I have a 2014 Moomba mondo on a dual axel trailer with hydraulic brakes with a 7 pin connector. There is no trailer battery, and the trailer brakes are surge/hydraulic. I believe I only need to add backup light signal 5 pin to this setup to get reverse to stop locking up the brakes, but wondered if there is any adapter or recommendations? Do I need to cut off the 7 pin for a 5 pin on the trailer and add a 5th pin to the Maserati? 2 As the Maserati has a vertical hitch reciever, is there an adapter that would allow me to use a bike rack? Cheers

asked by: Neal A

Helpful Expert Reply:

The easiest way to equip your vehicle so it'll work with your trailer would be to use an adapter like # 37185. The adapter would plug into your existing 4-pole, and would have 4 additional bare wires. The white ground wire with the ring terminal would attach to the vehicle frame or chassis, and the purple wire would be tapped into the reverse lamp circuit on the vehicle. The remainder of the wires aren't needed and could be bundled up and tucked out of the way. This method will require the least amount of cutting and splicing.

Once it's installed, the center pin on on the 7-way will power up when the transmission is in reverse which will activate the reverse lock out on your surge coupler. This will allow you to back the trailer without the brakes applying.

The Curt # C45013 vertical adapter might work, but it will depend on the vertical distance between the hitch pin hole in the vertical receiver and the underside of the rear bumper. If this distance is LESS than 7/8 of an inch, the Curt # C45013 would work well for you. If the distance is greater, and the hitch is a factory hitch, you'll need to check with the Maserati dealer to see if they can set you up with an adapter.

expert reply by: Mike L