How to Adapt a 6-Way Vehicle-Side Trailer Connector to a 7-Way

Question:

I already have a six pin hooked up to my truck that has electric brakes working. I need to upgrade to this 7 point because all my new trailers comes with this style. will I have to hook up all the fuses and relays for the electric brakes to work since I already have them working?

asked by: Gabriel C

Expert Reply:

Since your vehicle already has a working 6-way connector for your trailer that uses electric brakes, you will not need to install any additional fuses or relays in order to change to a 7-way connector. The simplest and most cost-effective option is to use an adapter to convert your 6-way to a 7-way.

You will need to test the wire functions on your existing 6-way since these connectors can be wired in two different ways: center pin as brake signal, or center pin as 12V power. You can use a circuit tester such as # PTW2979 to identify the function carried by the 6-way center pin and choose an appropriate adapter.

With your grounded circuit tester on the center pin check for signal. If you detect a continuous signal at all times, then the center pin is wired to carry 12V power to your trailer. If you detect a signal only when the brake controller manual override is engaged, then the center pin carries the brake controller signal for the trailer brakes.

You can use Hopkins part # 47435, which can be wired for either configuration. You may also want to use a 7-way mounting bracket, such as # 18138, to secure the 7-way connector on your vehicle bumper. This includes all required hardware to mount the connector to the bracket, and the bracket to the vehicle. This adapter is wired such that the center pin of the 6-way is wired for 12V power; this function is then wired to the pin at the 1-o-clock position on the 7-way. Please refer to the included article on trailer wiring.

If you prefer you can permanently wire a 7-way connector, using part # PK11898. This includes a wiring harness, 7-way connector, mounting bracket and required hardware.

We recommend application of dielectric grease to help keep trailer electrical connections reliable and corrosion-free; you can use a product such as # 11755.