Converting a 6-Way Square to a 6-Way Round Trailer Connector on a 1973 Legacy Bethany Trailer
Question:
I have a legacy Bethany 560 PU about 1973 that has a 6-pin square connector, The manual describes these connections: White: ground Black: tail and marker lights Green: Left turn signal Red: Right turn signal Yellow/Orange: Back-up and brake lights. My 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan was wired by a local dealer with the following: White: Ground Brown: Tail and Marker lights Yellow: Left turn signal Red: Right turn signal. Will your #30104 adapter make the connections? It looks like I would not have back-up or brake lights. Are these lights required in most States?What is the easiest way to get all Bethany lights to work with my Grand Caravan?
asked by: Carl E
Expert Reply:
The 4-Way to 6-Way adapter, # 30104, is configured and designed to only work with Jayco trailers. You will need to fabricate your own or replace the connector on the trailer to be compatible with the tow vehicle.
The problem is that most trailers have a combined turn signal and brake light circuit, not a combined reverse light and brake light circuit like you are describing. I recommend getting this trailer wired up to a more standard configuration using 6-way round trailer connectors on the trailer and vehicle.
This will provide you with a more up to date connection and will retain all the function on the trailer.
First, on the trailer side, you will need a connector like # PK11604. I have included a picture that shows the standard functions of a 6-Way trailer connector. Notice that the turn signals are combined with the brake lights. The center pin is for a 12 volt circuit and S terminal is for output from a brake controller.
On your trailer, you will need to determine the function of the wires by tracing them back to see where they go. You cannot go by color because it is highly unlikely that everything will match up color for color. Once you have determined the correct functions of each wire you can attach it inside the back of the connector as shown in the diagram.
On the vehicle side, you will need # ETBC6. Installation is simple. Plug in the 4-Way to the 4-Way receptacle on the ETBC6. This will leave you with 3 wires to attach to the vehicle. The white wire grounds to the vehicle frame. The Red wire and blue wire attach to the duplex cable included with the kit and get routed to the front of the vehicle avoiding areas that can pinch or burn the wire.
At this point you can follow the installation details I have linked for ETBC7, a similar kit that has a 7-Way instead of a 6-Way. For a brake controller, I recommend our most popular and user friendly model, the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. I have included a link to installation details for it as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 6-Way and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Pollak 6-Pole, Round Pin, Trailer Wiring Connector - Trailer End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- Plug Only
- 6 Round
- Pollak
more information >
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