Why Won't 7-Way Connector on Trailer Fit Factory 7-Way on My New GM Truck

Products Featured in This Question

Bargman 7-Way, RV-Style Connector w/ 10' Heavy Duty Insulated Cable - Trailer End

(51)

$81.93

7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End

(2573)

$42.11

Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End

(652)

$7.95

Question:

Hello etrailer. I just got my hands on this 7-way from another source. Installed it on the trailer, everything went fine. But when I go to plug it into the 7-Way on my truck it doesn't seem to fit. And when I test the circuits I'm not getting consistent power. What am I doing wrong?

asked by: Dan D

Expert Reply:

This is an interesting (frustrating) issue we've recently discovered with a lot of the new GM trucks, specific to the Bargman 7-Way # 54006-059 you mentioned. I can at least assure you that you're not doing anything wrong.

The problem is with the "fins" present on the factory 7-Way for these new models, which prevents the Bargman 7-Way from properly seating into the connector. There isn't really a fix for this beyond either replacing the factory 7-Way on the truck or getting a different connector for the trailer, unfortunately.

Since you just installed the trailer side, the simplest solution is probably to just replace the truck's 7-Way with the Hopkins # HM40975. This will be an easy, plug-and-play installation. If you wanted to replace the trailer side instead, the Pollak # PK12706 will be the best option and is actually what GM suggests because Pollak is who manufacturers the factory 7-Way on their trucks.

I've attached a couple install videos that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R