Converting a Trailer with 5 Round Connector to Car with 4-Way Flat Connector
Question:
I have a motorcycle trailer with a 5-wire round connector that I want to tow with my car that has a 4-wire flat connecter. What adaptors do I need to make all the light work properly on the trailer?
asked by: Drew
Expert Reply:
Typically on a motorcycle that 5th function is just the brake light that is separated out from the turn signals. Since your car has the brake and turn signals combined (typical for a 4-Way Flat connector) you will need to install the Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter # 118158 which separates the brake and turn signals from your tow vehicle.
Start off by testing the 5-Way on your trailer and verifying that 2 pins are for the right and left turn signals, one pin is brake, one pin is running lights, and the last is ground. If that is the case then cut the 5-Way off (or splice in behind it) and proceed to install the converter.
Once the converter is installed you will need to install the Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector # HM48110 (which includes a tester). Connect the green and yellow wires from the converter to the green and yellow wires on this 4-Way, then connect the brown wire from the 4-Way to the running light circuit on your motorcycle and ground the white wire. You can use the included quick splices but I prefer the Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05744-10 as they will do a much better job at protecting the wires from the elements.
Products Referenced in This Question
Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 10
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 16-14 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Trailer End - Ergonomic Design
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 7 Round
- 7 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Wiring New 4-Way Connector on Trailer with 5 Wires
- Q&A: How to Convert a 5-Pole Flat Trailer Connector to 4-Pole Flat Connector
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 5-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Thule T2 Classic Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Search Results: dust cap
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar Review
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: 68149
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Is The 165LB Weight Rating The Dynamic Weight Capacity For The Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack?
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
on Accessories and Parts
