Installing HM20048 Molded 7-Way Trailer Connector on Surge Brake Equipped Boat Trailer

Question:

I want to buy the hopkins 7-way molded trailer wire connector HM20048 for my boat trailer.The question that I have is that my trailer come with surge type actuator that has electric reverse lockout, which wire on the Hopkins should I connect the wire from actuator to. And also for my trailer, I do not need to use black or blue wire right?

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

If you scroll to the bottom of the product page of the # HM20048 connector, you can see the color code chart that shows which colored wire carries which function. The yellow wire on the # HM20048 would carry the signal from the reverse lights, assuming that the center pin of the trailer connector is tied into the reverse lamp circuit.

Since you're using a surge brake system, you won't need the blue wire as you suspected. If the trailer doesn't have a battery or any accessories that require 12-v power, the black wire isn't needed either.

The cleanest way to install the # HM20048 would be to use a junction box like part # 38656. The junction box is weatherproof to protect the wiring connections from the elements. You'd also need some ring terminals, one 10 gauge # DW05741-1 and four 14 gauge, part # DW05702-1. I've linked you to a video showing the junction box being installed.