Recommended Trailer Connector and Wiring to Add 7-Way Trailer Connector to 4-Way for Reverse Lights

Question:

I am wanting to install some reverse lights for my boat trailer. Can I wire two led light bar pods to a 7 pin trailer plug so they will turn on when I put the vehicle in reverse? I currently have a 4 pin plug on my trailer so Id like to rewire those to a 7 pin with the pods. If this is possible, how do I go about doing this, and where will I need to connect the positive and negative wires that come off of the light pods? Also, I would rather not use a junction box if I dont have to. The pods have a combined amp draw of about 3 amps.

asked by: Ryan R

Expert Reply:

For your reverse lights on your boat trailer, I recommend you start with converting the 4-way you have into a 7-way trailer connector. I recommend the Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole Vehicle End Trailer Connector # 30717 for this. You will simply plug in your current 4-way and then connect the white wire with the ring terminal to your frame bare metal to metal using # FA1131822. Then you will connect the yellow wire of this adapter to the reverse light power at your tail light on one side of your vehicle. You can use # 16-1-1 sold by the foot and a connector like # DW05744-5. Then you can use a mounting bracket like # 18138.

Then you can on the trailer side use the Mighty Cord 7-Way RV-Style Trailer Connector w/ Molded Cable - Trailer End - 6' Long # A10-7W6 along with the heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-5 and # DW05744-5 along with more # 16-1-1 to run to your reverse lights. The lights will have a positive lead wire and a ground. You will connect the positive to the lead wire connected to your 7-way and then connect the ground to your trailer frame.