Adapting a European 13-Way Trailer Connector to Work with a 7-Way on a US Spec Mercedes

Updated 06/19/2014 | Published 06/18/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak Heavy-Duty, 7-Pole, Round Pin, Trailer Wiring Connector - Trailer End

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2-to-3 Tail Light Converter for Towed Vehicles w/ Incandescent Tail Lights

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12 Gauge 7 Conductor Jacketed Wire - Per Foot

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7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector - 3' Long

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Question:

Is there an adapter to connect an EU trailer 13 pin - 7 pin available, trailer uses 8 pins in 13 pin plug, to a US vehicle with standard factory 7 Round?

asked by: JCK

Expert Reply:

We do not carry an adapter to tow a European trailer with a US spec vehicle and trailer connector. You would have to change the trailer connector or the vehicle connector. Changing the vehicle connector will likely be easier.

Your 2009 Mercedes GL320 likely has as 7-Way blade style trailer connector. So for the trailer side use # H20042. In order to keep the turn signals and the brake lights separate on the trailer you would also need to use a converter, # 118158.

So on the # H20042 connector, the green wire will connect to all running light wires on the trailer. The red wire will go to the yellow wire on the # 118158 converter. The brown wire will go to the green wire on the converter. White is ground on both.

On the output side of the converter the red wire will be for all brake lights. The yellow wire will be left turn only. And the green wire will be right turn only.

If your Mercedes does actually have round pins in the 7-Way the you would use # PK11700 on the trailer. You would also need some wire # DW04914-1 sold in increments one 1 foot. Then you just have to match up the correct functions to fit with the vehicle side connector. I have linked a help article that will help with this.