Can a 4-Pole Trailer Connector Be Used to Activate Trailer Brakes

Question

Question:

How do you make the break work on a 4 flat harness

asked by: CARLOS F

0

Expert Reply:

In order to actuate the trailer brakes, you'd need a brake controller installed in the vehicle and a 6 or 7-way trailer connector. A 4 pole flat wiring harness like the # 18002 you'd looked at carries 4 circuits- right turn/brake lamp, left turn/brake lamp, running lights and ground. The 4 flat connector doesn't have enough circuits nor the necessary wire thickness or gauge to carry voltage to the trailer bakes.

It would seem fairly logical that you could run a wire from the brake lamp circuit to the brakes but that wouldn't work well at all. Every time you hit the brakes or used the turn signal, it would try to full-on operate the brakes instead of sending just enough voltage to do the job like a proportional brake controller would do.

If you'd care to send me details about your tow vehicle- the year, make and model, I'd be happy to make some suggestions for you.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

Since your 2023 Chevy Trailblazer has a 4-way already, what you'll need to do for electric trailer brakes is add a 7-way, which you can get with the following: - Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller #ETBC7 You'll…

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Answer 2

Thanks for the photo. Honestly 5 inches of clearance from the fender to the top of the tire is fine if that is what you desire. We normally recommend 4 inches to allow for the suspension travel whether with leaf springs or torsion axles to allow…

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Answer 3

We don't have a way to look up your trailer brakes with the VIN, but I can help you find what you need. Take a look at your axle tag to find the capacity of your trailer. Using the capacity you can find the correct brakes. For example, if you…

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Answer 4

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 5

To connect your vehicle that has a 4-Way flat connector to your trailer that has a 7-Way connector, you will need to install a 7-Way on the rear of your vehicle. If you just want or need the tail light functions to operate on your trailer you will…

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Answer 6

I do have some options for you but there isn't a plug under the dash for a trailer brake controller on a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. Therefore, if you want to use a traditional dash mounted trailer brake controller you must hardwire which requires…

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Answer 7

The most likely cause for the turn signals not to work when the running lights are on with your trailer is a bad or weak ground. It's very possible that a weak ground connection can be just strong enough to allow sufficient current for some…

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Answer 8

If you were to use a Thule cargo box like the Motion XT #TH629806 then yes, this box is compatible with a Yakima round bar roof rack. Sometimes the mounting hardware that comes with roof accessories will require an adapter to fit different style of…

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Answer 9

The Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter item #22121 will definitely work on your 2013 Town and Country. This is by far the easiest way to add a 7-way connector to your Chrysler. I have linked the installation…

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Answer 10

I have talked to my co-workers and it does appear to be a very common issue for 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawks. From what we have found that if you go to the dealership they can re-flash the computer to get it to work again. We are not sure why the…

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Answer 11

In order to have a plug and play brake controller, your 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk would have to have the factory tow package and factory trailer connector. If you have those things, you would have have a plug-in option, with the connector being up…

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Answer 12

Super smart to check and wherever you heard was correct because I can verify for you the Curt hitch absolutely fits your 2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, and you do have the right part number: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13363 In fact, check this out…

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Can a 4-Pole Trailer Connector Be Used to Activate Trailer Brakes

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