How Can I Get a 5 Way on the Back of My 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
Updated 07/01/2026 | Published 06/24/2026
Question:
Hi, I have a 2016 Mercedes sprinter. I bought a Yakima kayak trailer from you this winter. And I am looking at wiring the trailer lights with the van and it uses the five pin plug. Wondering if you have any information on the process of wiring the sprinter or if you would recommend going to a dealer? Thanks, Dave Bishop
asked by: Dave B
Expert Reply:
Hello Dave,
Thanks for writing in! I'm glad you found us.
If your 2016 Mercedes Sprinter already has a 4-way flat trailer connector installed, then the easiest way to get your Yakima trailer connected is with the Curt Trailer Connector Adapter # C57187. It plugs into your existing 4-way and converts it to the 5-way flat connector your trailer uses.
The adapter also includes one additional blue wire that you'll splice into your vehicle's reverse light circuit. This wire activates the trailer's reverse lockout so you can back up without the surge brakes engaging.
If your Sprinter doesn't already have a 4 flat trailer connector, please let me know so I can get you the additional wiring.
If you're comfortable doing some basic wiring, this is a project you can tackle yourself. If you'd rather have someone else handle the installation, I included a link to our dealer locator so you can find a trusted installer in your area.
What kind of kayaks do you have, and do you have a specific place you like to paddle? A group of us from work just went on a nice 4 mile paddle after work recently, I wish I was back on that creek right now =)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 5-Way Flat - Vehicle End
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat to 5 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- CURT
more information >
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on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
Pat D.
6/30/2026
Hi Dave. I bought this same adapter for a different vehicle and setup, but I can add some advice. I had a four wire system in the vehicle already and bought a trailer with a five pin connector that required that I connect the reverse lights so that the brakes on the trailer would not activate when the car is put in reverse. Wiring was simple. I had to find the reverse light wiring near the reverse lamps in the tailgate. I used a lamp tester to confirm the positive wire going to the reverse light and spliced in the fifth wire to that positive reverse light wire. I soldered the connection and used heat shrink tubing to cover the splice point. The kit did come with a crimp type splice connector which is fine to use, but I chose to go the extra bit to solder things. If you can replace a reverse light bulb in your vehicle and you can find which reverse wire is positive, this is an easy job. I did have to buy a bit of extra wire because of the distance from my reverse lamps, around the lift gate and down through to the trunk area. Hope this helps. Pat