Wiring For A 4-Way Flat To Adapt To A 5-Way Or 7-Way For Reverse Function For Electric Lockout

Question:

Just bought a 2017 Highlander Hybrid Limited which has the towing package, a hitch and only wiring for a 4 pin connector. My bass boat has a 5 pin connector because it has an electric reverse lockout solenoid. The hitch installer hooked up a 4pin flat to 7pin round adapter because they had no 4-5 adapter, but they cant figure out how to wire the the 7pin adapter. It has a 4 pin that hooks to the 4 pin and 4 loose wires white = ground, black=power, purple = reverse, and blue = electric brake. The guy is telling me I now need a brake controller to tie the blue wire to, and I think hes wrong. All I should need is the purple wire hooked to reverse lights, and that should power my electric reverse lockout solenoid, right? If so, what do we do with the blue wire, cap it off? The only reason for a brake controller is when you have power disc brakes on the trailer I think? My bass boat is a 2000 Javelin R19 and the trailer is a single-axle so it weighs less than 3000 lbs.

asked by: Larry

Expert Reply:

For your 2000 Javalin R19 bass boat, you don't need a brake controller. If you choose to use the 7-way connector similar to # 37185, you can simply splice the purple wire from the connector into the reverse power lead wire behind your tail lights. When you shift into reverse, that wire will get power and will activate your reverse lockout. If you go this route you can simply tape up the blue and black wires, but you will need to connect the ground wire to your frame.

Your other option is to use Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter # 20036. With this harness, you use the quick splice to connect the reverse wire. I've attached a video to help.

expert reply by: Jason S