Connecting Reverse Lockout Wiring To The Reverse Lights On A 2018 Dodge Durango
Updated 04/23/2026 | Published 04/17/2026
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Question:
What is the best way to install a 7 way connector onto a 2018 dodge durango? I already have a 4 flat but my new marine trailer 2022 trail star needs the reverse light signal on the 7 pin to deactivate the brakes in reverse. It seems access to this signal is in the tailgate hatch and not the corner lights. what can you recommend for either adding the wire or replacing the 4 flat curt harness? Thank you in advance for your thoughts. Im kinda stumped on getting the reverse signal to my trailer.
asked by: Jason W
Expert Reply:
Hi Jason!
What you are looking for is something like the Buyers Products Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way to 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat # 337TC1474P. This will piggyback off that Curt T-Connector 4-Flat # C56336 you installed last year, so it will make things somewhat easier.
I see what you mean about the location of the reverse lights though. That definitely complicates things. From the way I see it, you have two options. First, you can tie into those reverse lights on the hatch, but it's going to be a pain. You are going to have to pull the hatch panel off to get to the wiring and then use something like the Quick Splice # SWC502905-1 to tap into the reverse light wire. You would then need to run 14 Gauge Primary Wire # DW02414-1 from that Quick Splice with the other wiring and then along the top and side of the cargo area to the bottom of the cargo area where you can run it out and to the 7-Way. I would also use a heat shrink butt connector # DW05745-1 to connect it to the 7-Way.
The other option would be to run a line up to your battery with the Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp # PK54540 and then add a switch (like the JR Products Single Rocker Switch - 12V - On/Off - SPST - Black Plate with Amber Illuminated Switch # 37212555) that you can flip when you are going to reverse with the trailer. This would then attach to the yellow reverse light wire on the Buyers 7-Way. Not the most elegant solution and you would need to find somewhere to mount that switch, but it could be done.
If you don't want to do either of those, and I would understand if you don't, you could change the brakes on the trailer. Something like the etrailer Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand # AKFBBRK-35-D for 3,500 pound axles or the etrailer Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 12" - Left/Right Hand # AKFBBRK-7-D for 5,200 to 7,000 pound axles will allow you to back up without the brakes engaging. It wouldn't require any kind of wiring, but you would have to pull off the hubs and old brakes, and then bleed the brakes after installing these. Honestly, with how difficult the wiring options will end up being, this is the way I would go.
What are you typically hauling on your Trailstar trailer?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Buyers Products Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way to 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat to 4 Flat
- 4 Flat to 7 Blade
- Plug and Lead
- Buyers Products
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on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
Jason W.
4/23/2026
Lazer thanks a ton for looking into this. Yeah none of the options are alot of fun. I just bought the used boat and trailer and when I bought it the marine dealer had to replace the brakes so they are brand new. I wounder if they used a free backing kit. I have already installed the 4-Way to 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat # 337TC1474P kit (great suggestion thanks). Before I try running the center pin to the reverse lights in the hatch I'll just go hook up and see what happens. Fingers crossed they used free backing replacements. A 12V source wired to a switch is a clever idea too! But I thing I'll go for the reverse light tap in if I don't already have the free backing brakes. Thanks again for the help. Etrailer is my forever goto!