Can 5-Way Trailer Connector Be Used for 12V Trailer Power

Updated 02/13/2023 | Published 02/12/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(720)

$8.37

Junction Box and Installation Kit for Autowbrake Trailer-Mounted Electric Brake Controller

(26)

$38.17

Question:

Im connecting the 12V aux from pin 4 of my 7 pin vehicle connector to my trailer. I would like to replace the trailer 4 pin flat with a 5 pin flat and use a 7 pin to 5 pin adapter but all of the adapters I see are connecting the center pin backup light to the 5th pin. Is there a 7 pin to 5 pin adapter that will connect pin 4 of the 7 pin 12V aux to the 5th pin? Or will I have to build this using a fully populated 7 pin connector and a 5 pin harness? Thanks

asked by: Doug D

Expert Reply:

I'd be happy to help you out with this!

The 5-Way connectors are designed for smaller gauge wire that we see with light circuits as opposed to the larger wire used for 12V power. Because of this you'll need to install a 7-Way connector on your trailer as it will be able to handle that larger wire and the power coming through it.

To accomplish this you can use a simple 7-Way connector like the Pollak # PK12706 or a junction box setup like what we have with the etrailer Kit # 3430001-JBK and the Pollak 7-Way which makes connecting and managing the wiring a bit easier. I personally like the junction box kit because of this but if you already have a good length of wiring for your needs then the Pollak option will work just fine.

I'm attaching some videos and a helpful article on trailer wiring for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G