Does 7-Way Adapter Require Ground Connection to Utilize 4-Way Trailer Light Functions?

Question

Question:

I am picking up a new trailer with electric brakes and the 7 blade plug. I purchased this to convert my Wranglers 4 pin plug to the new trailer for transport. I have not installed this but simply plugged my 4 pin into it. Will I be able to run the tail lights and brake lights on the trailer this way or will I at least need to attach the ground wire of this product to metal? I intend to use this to eventually run the brakes of the new trailer but am only concerned with transporting the new trailer home for now.

asked by: Rick R

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Hopkins Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole # 37185 will allow you to use your 4-way trailer functions without the additional wiring only if you attach the white ground wire to a bare metal surface to give a clean ground connection.

When you are ready to add the other components, you can use kit # 5506 to complete your brake controller and 12V wiring. I've attached a video to assist when you get to that point.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

Answer 1

You can install a 7 way connector on your 2019 Ford F-150 by using the Curt T-Connector #C56413, which will plug into the factory supplied 4 way connector plug on your vehicle and give you a fully functioning 7 way connector. If you've got a…

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Answer 2

In some cases trailer lighting will ground through the hitch ball but that's typically only if the actual ground circuit is insufficient. This is not an ideal setup. It needs to ground through the wiring of the trailer harness. You can test this…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 5

When wiring a trailer connector, it is best to wire by function, as wire colors can vary. We have an excellent wiring diagram on our website, I will provide you a link so you can look at it. If you are looking at the inside of the trailer connector…

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Answer 6

If your trailer has 7 wires running all the way back to the brakes, then yes, you can tap into the existing wiring. Each of your new brakes will have two wires for the brake magnet. One wire is for 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other…

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Answer 7

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

You have it right so far, the 4-way connector is just as you have stated. Remember that Yellow has a L in it so that is the left side brake/turn signal and green has a R in it so that is the right side brake/turn signal. The colors for wiring a 7-way…

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Answer 10

It could be a tow package fuse on the vehicle. Use the owners manual to find the locations of fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to check them and replace as needed. If the issue is not a fuse or relay then you can test the vehicle side…

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Answer 11

The only difference between 7-Way Utility and 7-Way RV is the color of the wires. The pin outs are the exact same so either would work just fine with the other. If you check out the picture I attached you'll see that the functions are all the…

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Answer 12

You can put a maintenance charge on your trailer battery with the 12 volt accessory circuit of the 7-way. The 1:00 position of your 7-way carries this circuit. You would just need to run a length of 10 gauge wire like part #10-1-1 (sold by the foot),…

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