Installing a 4-Pole Trailer Connector at Rear of 5th Wheel for Towing Boat Trailer
Question:
I am planning on purchasing the Curt 13703 hitch to mount on the back of my fifth wheel frame. That looks straight forward. Where I am not sure about is what wiring harness I will need to go to a 4 flat for my boat trailer that I am planning on pulling behind the fifth wheel. The fifth wheel is a 2015 Keystone Cougar 28RDB. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you
asked by: Jon L
Expert Reply:
The Curt # 13703 would work fine for you.
To install a 4-pole connector at the rear of your 5th wheel, the easiest option would be to tap a 4 pole vehicle end harness like # 18002 into the taillight circuits of the fifth wheel.
I do have a caveat or two to share, however.
-Keep in mind that towing a trailer behind another isn't legal in many states, and from a safety standpoint it's something we don't recommend.
-You'll need to determine if the tow package of your Silverado has a sufficient rating to handle the draw of the lights on the fifth wheel plus the draw from the lighting on the boat trailer. The running light circuit of your factory tow package is rated at 15 amps, and the stop/turn signal circuit on each side is rated at 10 amps.
Each taillight draws about 2 amps, and clearance or marker lights draw about 0.5 amps each. If the total amp rating of all the lights approaches the rating of the circuit mentioned above, you might consider installing LED lamps on the boat trailer. LED's draw only a fraction of the power of incandescent lamps.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide
- RV and Camper Hitch
- Frame Mount Hitch
- 22 - 72 Inch Wide Frame
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Bolt-On
- Weld-On
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Optronics LED Clearance or Side Marker Trailer Light w/ Reflector - 1 Diode - Round - Red Lens
- Shop: Replacement Idler Head for Solera Power RV Awnings - Regal Style - Black
- Shop: Bumper Spare Tire Mount - U-Bolt Mount
- Shop: Trailer Valet XL Trailer Dolly with Chain Drive - 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 10,000 lbs
- Search Results: trailer valet xl
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Replacement Steps and Motor for Kwikee RV Electric Steps - 32 Series - 24" Wide
- Search Results: spare tire carrier
- Shop: RV Covers
- Shop: 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 60" Harness and Wire Taps
- Shop: Lippert 360 Siphon RV Vent Cap for Black Water Holding Tanks - 4-1/2" Diameter - Black
- Search Results: tr~1
- Q&A: How to Add 4-Way to the Back of Camper Trailer for Towing Second Vehicle
- Video: Tekonsha Wiring - Trailer Connectors - 18002 Review
- Q&A: How to Wire a Stop/Turn/Tail Trailer Light With Two Wires to a Trailer
- Video: Curt Wiring - Trailer Connectors - C56496 Review
- Q&A: Options to Vent a Storage Compartment on an RV
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Video: Review of Durabilt Tarp Corner Protector - DU94MR
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Are Rubber Wheel Chocks Better Than Plastic for Trailers
- Search Results: rv rear hitch
- Search Results: rv rear view camera
- Article: How to Drain an RV Water Heater
- Search Results: golf cart battery
- Q&A: Hitch Recommendation for a 2014 Montana 5th Wheel
- Shop: RV Camera
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: rear hitch for 5th wheel
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch