Converting A 6-Pole Trailer to 7-Pole Tow Vehicle Connection

Question:

Hello have a 2019 Chevy 2500HD and want to connect my 1999 Jamco trailer. On the trailer, the cable has a 6 pin and dont know if center pin is brakes or lights how can I tell. Looks like part 47549 is the correct piece needed. Have attached pictures of both trucks and trailer cable pins.

asked by: Ernie B

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins Adapter 7-Pole to 6-Pole # 47549 plugs into a vehicle side 7-way socket and converts that connector format to a 6-way round-pin type. If you think you will need some length for your connection, # HM47083 is an alternative that does the same thing but includes a coiled cable that is 3-feet long when stretched fully while the # 47549 is just the adapter portion without the extension cable.

47549 can be changed to allow a different function - trailer brakes - to be carried on that center pin. If your trailer is wired with its brake circuit on the center pin then the you would need to remove the screws to access the internal wiring and switch the black 12v power wire with the blue trailer brake output wire. The included video resource provides some detail there too.

You can test your 6-way to find out how it's wired using jumper wires and a battery. Connect one wire from the ground pin, which should be in the 9'O Clock position, to the negative post on the battery. Then connect the other jumper to the positive post and touch each of the other pins with it. This applies a full 12 volts to each circuit, one by one, so you can identify which it is by what function engages when you make the connection.

You could also look at switching to a 7-Way Connector from your current 6-Way like the Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable # H20046 but that will require some rewiring to complete. In the long run this might be your best option even though it does require more work. Also a junction box like # 3375601101 can make for a much neater installation. The wire color code chart on the product description page is a helpful resource since the color codes on those are a little different.