Activating 12V Circuit on New 7-Way Connector for Tow Vehicle

Question:

We received and installed your suggested 7 pin connector that utilizes existing 4 pin connector We have an RV Trailer and we want the battery to keep charged while we drive. I ran a line directly from connector to the + side of the battery but havent connected anything. Planning to install an in-line 30 amp fuse at the battery - does this sound ok or do you see any problems? thanks

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you used the Hopkins Adapter # 37185 to add a 7-Way connector to the existing 4-Way on your Ford Expedition. To activate the 12V pin on the 7-Way so you can maintain the charge on your trailer mounted battery when connected you will indeed just need to extend the black wire coming from the adapter up to the vehicle's battery using additional wiring. We recommend using 10 gauge wiring like # 10-1-1 for this (which is sold by the foot).

You will then need to add a circuit breaker in line to the battery. Typically a 40 amp unit like # 9510 is sufficient.

This is all you need to do to properly and safely activate the 12V circuit on the 7-Way of your Expedition. If your trailer isn't equipped with electric brakes and you don't have a need for reverse lights (most trailers don't) the additional blue and purple wires coming from the adapter can just be capped off. The white wire needs to be attached to a clean bare metal surface for ground.

expert reply by: Chris R