Will the Hopkins Multi-Tow Trailer Connector Adapter Give Me 12V Power on Ford F-150?

Updated 07/23/2025 | Published 07/17/2025

Question:

Does this adapter work to provide 12v power on a 2020 F-150 Lariat? Manual says trailer must be connected before 12v is presented on the orange wire. Please advise, thanks.

asked by: Steve S

Expert Reply:

Hello Steve,

Yes, you will be able to get the 12V power after putting the # HM47675 into your 7 way on your 2020 Ford F-150 Lariat? I attached a great video that Randy put together explaining how it works.

What do you need the extra 12V power source for?

expert reply by: Kate F

Steve S.

7/21/2025

Thanks for the reply, Kate! I'm hoping to drive a 12v dump trailer hydraulic system. I don't think it is a huge load on the wiring harness, but it could be. That's another question: Does anybody know the current draw that the 7-wire connector wiring can handle?

Kate F.

7/22/2025

@SteveS Your F-150 can deliver about 3 to 5 amps through the 7-way plug’s 12V pin. Meanwhile, a typical 12V dump trailer’s hydraulic system draws anywhere from 150 to 300 amps, far more than the plug can handle. That 12V circuit is really just meant to trickle charge a trailer battery or power small accessories like lights or a phone charger. If you tried to run a dump trailer pump directly from it, you’d almost certainly blow the fuse (which is usually rated for 20 to 30 amps). Instead, the hydraulic system should run off the trailer’s own onboard battery, while the truck helps slowly maintain that battery’s charge as you drive. Do you have an onboard battery that is charged through the 7 way while connected?

Steves

7/22/2025

Thanks, Kate. I didn't realize the trailer hydraulics drew that much current. I'll have to run a 175a line from the battery to the bed of the truck. Thanks for all your help. I still need one of these adapters for smaller stuff and will purchase from etrailer.com. Thanks again!