How to Convert a 4-way into a 7-way for Backup Lights on a Boat Trailer
Question:
I have a standard 4 way plug on my boat. My truck has the 4 way receptacle and also the 7 way round one. I was looking to add back up lights to the trailer that would be enabled by truck going into reverse. What would you suggest?
asked by: Keith G
Expert Reply:
There are three things that you will need to do to add reverse lights to your boat trailer.
The first thing you will need to do is add a 7-way connection on your trailer. You can use the 7-way # HS381-9000 with the junction box, or you could go with the Pollack 7-way Connector # PK12706. The big difference between these two is that with the junction box you will make all of your wiring connections inside the junction box, but you need to keep the junction box in a safe place, so it doesn't get submerged. With the Pollak 7-way plug you will have to connect all of your wires inside the 7-way head.
The only wire that you really need to add is the wiring that will run back to your reverse lighting. You can use the Deka 16 Guage wiring # 16-1-1 for just the single wiring. If you are wanting to add all 7 wires to your trailer we have the Deka 7-Wire # DW04914-1. We sell both of these by the foot. Since you will be adding this to a boat trailer and the wiring could be submerged from time to time, I recommend just going with the single wire # 16-1-1.
The last thing that you will need to complete this setup is submersible backup lights. I have to different options for you; a surface mounted light # BUL90CB, and a recessed mounted light # BUL06CB. Either of these will work the same as the other, just keep in mind that if you get the recessed lights that you will also need the mounting bracket # BK45BB, grommet # A45GB, and 2-Wire Pigtail # A45CB.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-Wire Pigtail for Optronics Backup and Utility Trailer Lights - 2-Prong PL-3 Plug
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Lights
- Wiring
- Plugs and Pigtails
- 10 Inch Long
- Two Wire
- Straight Pigtail
- Optronics
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Rubber Grommet for 4" Round Trailer Lights - PVC
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Lights
- Mounting Hardware
- 4 Inch Diameter
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- Round
- Optronics
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Trailer Light Mounting Bracket for 4" Trailer Lights, Steel - Black Powder Coat
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Lights
- Mounting Hardware
- 4 Inch Diameter
- Brackets
- Black
- Optronics
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LED Backup Light for Truck or Trailer - Submersible - 6 Diodes - Round - Clear Lens - Qty 1
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Backup
- Round
- Recessed Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 4-1/4 Inch Diameter
- White
- Optronics
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Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Wiring
- Hydrastar
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Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- Plug Only
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Optronics LED Backup Light for Transit Vehicles - Submersible - 42 Diodes - Round - Clear Lens - 12V
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Backup
- Round
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 7 Inch Diameter
- White
- Optronics
more information >
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