Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Using the 7 Pole to 6 Pole Adapter # 47549

Updated 11/19/2021 | Published 06/14/2013

Question:

I am having a problem with my brakes on my trailer locking up when plugging in the 47549 adapter. I read your answer in a thread on how to solve this problem. How can i rewire the adapter. I just purchased do you have a photo or video. I would appreciate your help greatly

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

The reason your brakes are locking up when you use the 7 Pole to 6 Pole Adapter, # 47549, is because there are two ways that 6-way round trailer connectors can be wired, as you may have already discovered. The difference is the pin for the electric brake output and the 12 volt power.

It sounds like the 6-way connector on your trailer uses the center pin for the electric brakes. This adapter uses the center pin for 12 volt power. As you have noticed, this will apply 12 volt power to your trailer brakes all the time.

To fix this issue, you can rewire the adapter, I made a short video for you showing how to do this. You simply need to switch the black and blue wire on the 6-pin side of the adapter.

Another solution would be to switch the 12 volt power wire and the brake wire on your trailer. You could either rewire your 6-way trailer connector, or find a location where you can access both wires and make the switch there.

expert reply by: John H

Jesse A.

7/9/2020

I switched the blue and the black wires. and it did not work. the tires seem to turn and the lock and it appears that they lock both forward an in reverse. Do I switch the wires back to original on the adapter. A cut the wires at the hub. I really just want lights at this time. Thanks

Chris R.

7/14/2020

So the adapter locked the trailer brakes up both before and after switching the blue and black wires? That is pretty strange - there may be a short on the trailer wiring that's actually causing the issue and it's possible it's not related to the adapter at all. You could try inspecting the brake wiring just to see if you can find any exposed or damaged portions that need to be repaired. If you don't need brakes right now you could certainly just disconnect the brake wiring to that just the lights receiver power when hooked up.

Jesse A.

7/15/2020

@ChrisR Thanks Chris. I will inspect the wires at the hub to see if I can detect a wire issue.