Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector to a 2004 Dodge Dakota with 5-Way Connector  

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Expert Reply:

To add a 7-Way connector to your 2004 Dodge Dakota you will NOT have to start from scratch! But there will be a little hardwiring involved to make the new 7-Way fully functional.

You will need # ETBC7 and, if the trailer has electric brakes, a brake controller. For the ETBC7 installation you can use the wires that you already have for the 5-Way. Normally you would plug in a 4-Way connector to the ETBC7 and then hardwire the other wires to complete the install. But in this case, I recommend cutting off the 5-Way connector you have and the 4-Way on ETBC7 and then hardwiring them together.

Chances are that the wire colors on your 5-Way will match those on the ETBC7 4-Way. But I do recommend testing the truck side wires with a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 or a meter if you have one to verify function. The ETBC7 wire functions are white for ground (the ETBC7 white wire with a ring terminal will connect to the vehicle frame), brown for running/tail lights, yellow for left turn signal/brake lights, and green for right turn signal/brake lights.

I recommend using heat shrink butt connectors, # DW05744-5, to make secure and water-tight splices.

The remaining wires on ETBC7 are blue for output from a brake controller, black for 12-volt power, and purple for reverse lights. The 5th wire on your 5-Way was likely tied into the reverse light circuit. If the trailer does not require 12-volt power or doesn't have electric brakes, you can tape up those wires and tuck them out of the way. If you do want to add a brake controller, I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable.

I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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