Wiring Options for a 2009 Chrysler Aspen Towing a Boat Trailer with a 5-Way Flat Trailer Connection

Question:

Im looking to wire my 09 Chrysler Aspen and am thinking I need 118390 T-One vehicle Harness. My boat trailer has a 5 flat connection and Im not sure how to handle setting up connection. I dont see a 5 flat T-One harness so Im guessing I need to buy more than just a T-One vehicle harness. Is that correct? Is 118390 the correct one to buy? If so can I wire it to HM48470 which appears to have 5 flat as one of the connectors? Im not sure if 4 flat wiring of T-One Harness can go be spliced to 5 flat. I believe the 5th wire connects reverse lights to my surge brakes on trailer. Hoping you can advise me of proper wiring kits. How do I make that connection? Hoping you can help me pick out the right products and advise me on how to connect to reverse lights if necessary.

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for the 2009 Aspen by Chrysler, item # 118390, is the correct wiring harness for your Aspen and you will need one other item to complete the wiring to lockout the brakes on your boat trailer surge coupler.

You can go one of three ways for this wiring. The easiest way in my mind is to install the # 118390 T-One and then splice the 5-Flat Vehicle End 5' Wiring Harness, item # HM37908, to the 4 like wires left by removing the 4-way vehicle end connector from the # 118390 harness. You would then need to attach the remaining blue wire to the reverse light circuit behind one of the vehicle tail lights, using a circuit tester, item # PTW2993 if needed.

The second option would be to use the Adapter 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter, item # 47515, and wire the blue wire to the reverse circuit as mentioned above. This way you will not need to remove the original 4-way connector from the wiring harness. The draw back that I see here is that you have to keep track of the adapter when you are not towing the boat.

Finally if you think that you will want to upgrade to 7-Way wiring in the future you can use the Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-, 5- and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End, item # HM48470. You will remove the 4-Way connector from the # 118390 harness and wire the connector like the wiring diagram included in the instructions (see link) for the connector. You would then need a length of blue 10 gauge wire, item # 10-1-1, to connect the center pole on the connector to the reverse circuit on your vehicle as stated earlier.

I have linked to some other items you may need below.