What Parts are Needed to Connect a 4-Pole Trailer to a 5-Pole Motorcycle

Updated 02/05/2010 | Published 02/04/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

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12" Car and Trailer End Loop

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Pollak 5-Pole, Round Pin Trailer Wiring Connector - Chrome - Trailer End

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Question:

I am wiring my motorcycle to a trailer. The trailer is 4 wire and my bike is 5. Do you sell a converter or anything like that so this will work?

asked by: John K

Expert Reply:

If your bike is a 5-Way flat wired like most vehicle 5-Ways, then you could just plug the 4-Way trailer connector in. Obviously the 5th wire will have no connection which is fine.

If the bike is a 5-Way round, there currently not any adapters available. You could make your own adapter using part # PK11501 and part # 9653P. You could also convert the trailer to a 5-Way round using just part # PK11501 and again omitting the 5th contact point since it is not needed on the trailer.

If you write back with what style connectors are on the motorcycle and trailer and how the motorcycle is wired, I can provide more specific help. Sometimes motorcycles are wired differently than vehicles when it comes to trailer wiring. On vehicles the 5th wire is usually used for trailer brakes or reverse lights. Some motorcycles split up the the turn and brake signals so the 5th wire is for brake lights. Check the owner manual of the motorcycle and it should tell you how the connector is wired.

expert reply by: Patrick B