#Trailer wiring 7 pin install#

Now that you have a good understanding of how the 7-pin trailer plug works, you might be wondering how it’s different from the 4-pin connector. How is the 7-pin different from the 4-pin trailer connector? Sounds complicated, but your brake controller does a decent job of managing the brakes on the trailer. That not only provides the power to the trailer’s brakes but also lets them know when to engage and how much to engage. Remember the blue wire we mentioned earlier? The brake controller uses the 7-pin connector to feed power to the brakes on the trailer. You can find the brake controller mounted in the tow vehicle, usually near the driver’s seat. Small aluminum trailers typically don’t have one, but we’ll cover the 4-pin trailer connector momentarily. Most RVs and campers (even commercial trailers) have electric brakes that must be controlled by a brake controller. Heck, most newer vehicles have these built into them. If your car or truck has a tow package on it, there’s a good chance that it also has a brake controller and a 7-pin trailer connector. Manufacturers outfit most RVs and big trucks with a 7-way trailer plug. In addition to the various marker lights, backup lights, and blinkers, there’s also another major function of the 7-pin trailer connector. Always make sure your brake lights work before hitting the road. That’s why it pays to know how the 7-pin trailer wiring harness works, so you can keep your RV connection secure and functioning properly. You don’t want to be the guy who has a malfunctioning light and causes an accident. When you’re flying down the highway with a 10,000 lb RV behind you, those lights become fairly important. This includes both the turn signals and brake lights, as well as a reversing light that activates when you put your tow vehicle into reverse. Of course, the primary function of the 7-pin trailer plug is to power the trailer’s lights.

#Trailer wiring 7 pin install#

These wire colors are even more important if you purchase a wiring harness and wiring kit and intend to install the necessary wiring yourself. However, if you were to peel away the concealed wire terminals, you’ll see the various colors of the 7-pin trailer connector. Of course, you can’t necessarily see the wire color of each pin just by looking at it.

Yellow Wire (center pin) – Reverse lights.

Blue Wire – Brake controller power supply.

Green Wire – Tail lights and running lights.

Red Wire – Left turn signal and brake light.

Brown Wire – Right turn signal and brake light.

Here’s a breakdown of what each pin is responsible for. Then there is a single pin directly in the middle. When you look at the trailer connector, you’ll notice six of the pins (or connectors, holes, whatever you’d like to call them) are in a circular shape. The 7-pin connection includes seven wires that provide all the necessary power for lighting, brakes, and other accessories needed when towing a trailer or caravan. How does a 7-pin trailer plug work?Īt it’s very foundation, all the 7-pin trailer plug does is allows the towing vehicle to provide power to the trailer. It’s just a good idea to know what each wire means and generally how it works so you can troubleshoot any problems that might arise. Of course, you don’t need to be an electrical engineer to understand this trailer connector. Knowing how each pin on the plug works will help you ensure your connection is secure and functioning properly.

They’re typically weather resistant and have an ergonomic design so you can easily connect trailers to your car or truck.īut there’s a bit more to this trailer wiring harness than just a plug. This type of connector allows you to safely and correctly connect your tow vehicle to a trailer with up to seven different electrical connections. Whether you’re new to RVing or an experienced veteran, the 7-pin trailer plug is a must-have item for connecting your vehicle to your RV. With proper troubleshooting techniques and some basic knowledge about the wiring connections, any issues should be easy enough to resolve quickly so you can get back on track. While you may need an adapter in order to use either type of connection, understanding how each one works can help you make sure everything runs smoothly when you hit the road. This type of connector is ideal for larger trailers with multiple accessories on board since it provides more power than the 4-pin connector. When it comes to connecting a trailer to your vehicle, having a 7-pin trailer wiring harness is essential for ensuring that all of your accessories have power and are functioning properly.