How to Convert a 5-Pole Flat Trailer Connector to 4-Pole Flat Connector
Question:
2005 Ford Explorer. I have a Boat trailer with a damaged 5 pole that I would like to convert to a 4 pole. What do i do with the Yellow/Brown wire on the 5 pole? Thanks
asked by: Mark A
Expert Reply:
Some 5-Pole flat connectors use a total of 6 wires. They operate as follows:
Blue - trailer brakes
Green - right hand brake and turn signals
Yellow - left hand brake and turn signals
Brown/Green - right hand running lights
Brown/Yellow - left hand running lights
White - ground
The brown wires with the yellow and green tracers or stripes are the same circuit. They provide power to the side markers and taillights when the vehicle headlights are on. When converting these to a 4-Pole, the two brown wires should just be spliced together and connected to the plain brown wire on a 4-Pole. Some 5-Pole connectors only use 5 wires and would be color matched to a 4-Pole connector while omitting the blue trailer brake wire.
Wiring for a 4 pole is as follows:
White - Ground
Brown - Taillights also known as Running Lights
Yellow - Left Hand side brake and turn
Green - Right Hand side brake and turn
The added wire, usually blue, on a 5-Pole is usually for trailer brakes, since you have a boat trailer, that blue wire may be for charging a trolling motor battery.
If you do not need that 5th wire anymore, I would just remove it and use a 4 pole connector like part # 18004.
If you want to retain the 5th wire, we do have 5 pole wiring parts. I have included a link to the page with our 5 pole flat parts and our 5 pole round.
Products Referenced in This Question
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 60" Harness and Wire Taps
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Is Light Kit Needed for Covered Bike Rack at Rear of Fifth Wheel Trailer
- Shop: Bearing Kit, LM67048/25580 Bearings, 10-36 Seal
- Shop: Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 02475
- Q&A: Replacement Bearings and Seals for Curt 5.2K to 8K Axle
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: gs~2250dl
- Q&A: Correct Replacement Bearing and Race to Match 02475 Bearing and 14276 Race
- Search Results: 02475
- Search Results: 25580
- Search Results: a8004
- Shop: TorkLift GlowStep Revolution Scissor Steps w/ Landing Gear - 4 Steps - 27-1/2" Base - 375 lbs
- Shop: Grease Seal - Double Lip - 2.250" ID - 3.376" OD - GS-2250DL
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Shop: Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 25580
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Wiring New 4-Way Connector on Trailer with 5 Wires
- Q&A: 4-Way Trailer Connector that has 5 Wires
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Fusion LED Combination Tail Light Bar for Trailers Over 80" Wide - Submersible - Red/Clear Lens
- Video: Optronics Fusion LED Combination Tail Light Bar Installation
- Search Results: tie down straps
- Search Results: tie down ring
- Search Results: led trailer lights
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - STL264RB Review
- Video: Diamond Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - DG52436VP Review
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - STL64RB Review
- Video: Review of Optronics Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - STL79RB
- Video: ProGrip Tie Down Straps - Truck Bed - 317-506520 Review
- Q&A: Replacement Hub/Drum for Lippert 8k Hub 2420801
- Article: Carrying Bikes While Towing a 5th Wheel Camper Trailer
W. P.
6/1/2020
2007 Toyota extra cab longbedv4x4 I have tried to connect a 4 flat trailer connector to a 5 flat connector and it's not working properly. Connecting green to free ,yellow to yellow and the three brown wires together. Once that's completed all is well but the right turn signal doesn't blink and is deem. What am I doing wrong? Thank you for you assistance.