Can 4-Way be Spliced Into Trailer That Has 7-Way

Question:

Ive got a small cargo trailer with gvwr around 2.5K. It has electric brakes installed, but obviously not mandated given GVWR under 3K. It came with a standard 7-pin connector naturally. My question is, Id like to add a second 4-pin connector to the trailer side so that you have option up connect to a vehicle that lacks a 7-pin connector and only has a 4-pin one or the other at single time, not both obviously. Can I simply take a 4-pin connector like this one and splice into the existing 7 pin wires that already exist on trailer, and then Ive got dual plugs on the trailer? I realize there are vehicle adapters to convert 7 pin to 4 pin, but Im looking for a seamless way to have dual options to connect directly to vehicles with 4 or 7 pin. Of course Id lose the electric brakes when running 4 pin, but again not mandated since GVWR is under 3K.

asked by: Justin

Expert Reply:

If you don't want to use a vehicle adapter like the Mighty Cord Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 7-Way RV Style # A10-7084VP on your vehicle with a 4-way to adapt it to your trailer's 7-way, then yes, you can splice into your trailer's wiring to add a 4-way if your like.

You can use the trailer side connector you mentioned, the Hopkins Endurance Easy-Pull Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # HM38136.

To splice it you can connect your wires with the Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector # DW05743-5.

I've added a link to a video install for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S