Can a European 7-Way Trailer Connector be Converted to a U.S. 4-Way

Published 06/11/2014

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Question:

Im in the Army over in Germany. I brought my classic 1970 Cadillac Deville over here and plan on taking it to local car shows. The only problem of course is that I need to convert or should I say use a different wiring system in order to do so. I havent the slightest idea on how to do this. When I ask the German Mechanics they simply tell me that they cant do it. Please tell me that there is obviously a way to do this. It would look much better and also add to the American pride if I roll up to the Old Timer car shows pulling my Classic Cadillac with a nice Escalade EXT. My name is Angelo. Email: [email protected]

asked by: Angelo D

Expert Reply:

You have 2 options. First you can convert the Escalade wiring harness, after installed, to match the trailer. Or you can convert the trailer connector to match the vehicle connector, once it is installed.

The easiest thing to do would be to convert the trailer but there may be certain lights and functions required in Europe that are not required in the U.S. I will try to cover both ways for you but there is no simple adapter for either method.

To convert the vehicle, first you will need to install trailer wiring # 18252. This is a hardwire harness so you will need to test the vehicle wires to determine function and then attach the wires to the harness as follows:

white = ground (earth), attach to bare metal surface on vehicle frame
brown = running lights
yellow = left turn signal and brake lights
green = right turn signal and brake lights

To separate out the signals you will need a converter, # 118158. Cut off the 4-Way end on the # 18252 harness. Then connect green to green, yellow to yellow, and white to white. The brown wire will bypass the converter.

Then you will need to obtain a vehicle side European 7-Way locally and attach the wires as needed. I think on a Euro 7-Way there is also a fog light function. You can just attach the running light circuit to it as well as the running lights.

The other option is to leave the wiring harness on the vehicle and put a 4-Way flat on the trailer. You would need to cut off the Euro 7-Way and in its place use # HM48110 or similar trailer side 4-Way. The functions are white is ground, brown is running lights, yellow is left turn and brake lights, and green is right turn and brake lights. You will need to attach the wires to the existing trailer wiring so you have at least the basic lighting functions. Some functions will be lost.