Does the HM48503 Hopkins 7-way Trailer Connector Need to Be Grounded to Towed Vehicle or Trailer

Question

Question:

Using this plug to tow my 2003 Chevrolet tracker, do I have to have a ground hooked up on my tracker? I have diodes installed on the trackers taillights, for running and brake lights. I’m just using the flat 4 pole trailer wiring, so that ground will be hooked up to the plug going to my RV. Is that sufficient? I hope this makes sense. Thanks

asked by: John K

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Expert Reply:

I think I understand what you're asking. On the towed vehicle side of the connection, you should indeed have the # HM48503 connector you're using grounded to the vehicle's frame. I've provided a wiring diagram showing how the connection should be wired.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

The correct way to wire your breakaway battery, like the Hopkins Engager #20400, is to have the black wire from the battery connected to the 12V power on your trailer, and then the blue wire to your breakaway switch which, in turn, connects to the…

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Answer 2

We do have the Hopkins Trailer Connector tester part #HM50928 which will allow you to plug your trailer's 7-way into it and test all of the circuits easily. I attached a review video for this product for you to check out as well.

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Answer 3

That is definetly unusual for all of the lights on the Hopkins 7-Way #HM48503 to be on at the same time, as that would mean that power is getting sent to all of the pins on your vehicles 7-way connector at the same time. Since there are no lights…

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Answer 4

When a trailer's tail light remains on when the vehicle is shut off, this usually indicates some kind of short in the wiring. I first recommend using a circuit tester like #PTW2993 to check the vehicle side connector. You will want to see if…

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Answer 5

My suspicion is that you have a poor ground connection somewhere on your trailer. The fact that everything works fine until the running lights are turned on is the dead giveaway. When the tail lights are turned on, the trailer lighting is drawing…

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Answer 6

In regards to the Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with 1-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery part #3802308, the red wire from the breakaway battery box goes to the battery charge line circuit also known as the twelve volt power supply on the…

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Answer 7

Most likely the fault code is due to a wiring issue on the 5th wheel trailer. The first thing I would check is the wiring on the trailer for any breaks of splices that could be causing the short. Next I would make sure there is no corrosion inside or…

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Answer 8

The brake output pin of your 7-way (5:00 position) should not have voltage on it all the time. The only circuit that should have voltage all the time is the 12 volt accessory circuit which is in the 1:00 position. You'd need to look for a short…

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Answer 9

For starters, you are correct in that the wires on the braking assemblies are non-polarity specific so that basically means you can use either for power or ground. Now with that being said, it really sounds like you have a short on the brake output…

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Answer 10

According to what you told me, since it's not the LED lights, you may want to re-check the ground on the vehicle side. Since you are not getting the proper signals to the trailer lights then you will want to start off by making sure your vehicle…

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Answer 11

That is correct. Your 2017 Ford F-150 does not need an adapter when converting trailer wiring from incandescent to LED. I attached a page that has all of the LED trailer taillights we offer.

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Answer 12

On this page (typically below the product links) there is a helpful link section that will have the install instructions fo the Hopkins Breakaway kit part #20400 that you referenced. I also attached an install video that shows the kit installed as…

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