Can 4-Pole to 7-Way Adapter Be Used for Boat Trailer With Surge Coupler

Question:

I am looking to buy a boat with trailer equipped with disk brakes and a Titan 60 actuator. It does not have the electric lock-out solenoid. The trailer has a 7-pin plug. Our 2003 Tundra only has a 4-pin trailer wiring connector. Is that adequate? Any reason why I would need to switch to 7-pin wiring on the truck? I would think I can use a 4-pin to 7-pin adapter like Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole Vehicle End Trailer Connector Item # 30717 And not worry about the other 3 pins until I decide to add the electric lock out. Is that correct? I am unfamiliar with trailer brakes.

asked by: Alan S

Helpful Expert Reply:

You're correct, an adapter like the # 30717 would work fine for you, although I'd personally go with the # 37185 as it has a 4-pole connector as well. Initially, you'd just plug the adapter into your 4-pole, ground the white wire to the truck frame and you'll be good to go. Once you add the solenoid like # T4748800 and the protective shield # T4835800183 (because you just know you'll trip on it and snap it off while stepping over it if you don't) you can tap that purple wire on the adapter into the truck's reverse lamp circuit and you'll be off to the races. Or the lake.

When the truck's transmission is shifted into reverse, the solenoid will power up and prevent the surge coupler from activating so you'll be able to back the trailer without the brakes actuating.

expert reply by: Mike L