How To Convert From A 7-Way To A 5-Pole Connector For Towing A Boat Trailer

Published 06/11/2023

Question:

Have a boat trailer with 4 wire plug. Want to add reverse to my tail lights. Can I do a 4 way to 5 way adapter then to a 7 way adapter? How do I get the reverse from 7 way to 5 way plug?

asked by: Randy

Expert Reply:

If your truck has a 7-way connector then you already have a pin for the reverse lights, but it might not currently be hooked up since a lot of people rarely use it and will typically just cap it off. The reverse light function on a typical 7-way is the center pin. You can take the boot off of your 7-way and get into the wiring to see if you have the wire ran or not. If not you'll connect a wire to the center terminal and splice it into the reverse light circuit in either one of your tail lights to get the signal.

Once the reverse light function is confirmed you can then use an adapter like the Wesbar Adapter - 7-Way RV to 4-Way or 5-Way Flat # 707250 to connect to the 5-pole connector on your boat trailer.

If you don't have a 7-way and have something else just let me know and I can help walk you through the process to get from where you're currently at to where you need to be to have that lighting function operate properly.

expert reply by: Kevin C