Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Using the 7 Pole to 6 Pole Adapter # 47549

Question

Question:

I am having a problem with my brakes on my trailer locking up when plugging in the 47549 adapter. I read your answer in a thread on how to solve this problem. How can i rewire the adapter. I just purchased do you have a photo or video. I would appreciate your help greatly

asked by: Sam

0

Expert Reply:

The reason your brakes are locking up when you use the 7 Pole to 6 Pole Adapter, # 47549, is because there are two ways that 6-way round trailer connectors can be wired, as you may have already discovered. The difference is the pin for the electric brake output and the 12 volt power.

It sounds like the 6-way connector on your trailer uses the center pin for the electric brakes. This adapter uses the center pin for 12 volt power. As you have noticed, this will apply 12 volt power to your trailer brakes all the time.

To fix this issue, you can rewire the adapter, I made a short video for you showing how to do this. You simply need to switch the black and blue wire on the 6-pin side of the adapter.

Another solution would be to switch the 12 volt power wire and the brake wire on your trailer. You could either rewire your 6-way trailer connector, or find a location where you can access both wires and make the switch there.

expert reply by: John H

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Jesse A.

7/9/2020

I switched the blue and the black wires. and it did not work. the tires seem to turn and the lock and it appears that they lock both forward an in reverse. Do I switch the wires back to original on the adapter. A cut the wires at the hub. I really just want lights at this time. Thanks

Reply

Chris R.

7/14/2020

So the adapter locked the trailer brakes up both before and after switching the blue and black wires? That is pretty strange - there may be a short on the trailer wiring that's actually causing the issue and it's possible it's not related to the adapter at all. You could try inspecting the brake wiring just to see if you can find any exposed or damaged portions that need to be repaired. If you don't need brakes right now you could certainly just disconnect the brake wiring to that just the lights receiver power when hooked up.

Reply

Jesse A.

7/15/2020

@ChrisR Thanks Chris. I will inspect the wires at the hub to see if I can detect a wire issue.

Reply

Chris R.

7/20/2020

@JesseA Sounds good. Just let me know!

Reply

See All (4) Replies to Jesse A. ∨

Answer 1

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

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Answer 2

As you probably know there are two ways a 6-Way trailer connector can be wired. One uses the center pin as the 12-volt power accessory feed, the other uses the center pin for the brake output circuit. If the adapter is one way but the trailer is the…

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Answer 3

I have a suspicion about what might be causing the problem you mention. Do your trucks have 6-way trailer connectors? Or, do the trucks have 7-way connectors, but you are using a 6-way to 7-way adapters because the trailers use 6-way connectors?…

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Answer 4

There are two accepted ways of wiring a 6-way trailer connector. One uses the center pin as the 12-volt power accessory feed, the other uses the center pin for the brake output circuit. It sounds as if your trailer and adapter are wired differently,…

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Answer 5

The easiest first step here would be to try the trailer on a different truck, and see if the same problem occurs. If the trailer brakes are free until the trailer is plugged in, I suspect that something is mis wired. I would suggest examine the…

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Answer 6

If you are not wanting to use a Adapter 7-Pole to 6-Pole #47549 and would rather wire in a new Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector #HM20087 the wiring may be confusing. There may be some trial and error involved as the wiring could have been connected…

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Answer 7

You will need to use a circuit tester, item #PTW2992 if needed, to test the pins in the 6-Way connector at the rear of your vehicle. Ground the alligator clip to the vehicle chassis and touch the test light to the center pin. If the light in the…

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Answer 8

When wiring a trailer connector, it is best to wire by function, as wire colors can vary. We have an excellent wiring diagram on our website, I will provide you a link so you can look at it. If you are looking at the inside of the trailer connector…

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Answer 9

To see a couple diagrams that show how the 6-way to 7-way adapter part #47435 is wired up check out the pictures I attached. The 6-way of this adapter has the center pin as the 12 volt circuit. That is the usual circuit that gets moved around on…

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Answer 10

I attached a diagram that shows how to match all of the wire colors of the Hopkins Multi-Tow 7-Way Blade and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector #HM11141144 to the wire colors on your 2017 GMC Canyon.

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Answer 11

There are a few things that can cause the brakes to lock up on a trailer. First, disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. Then use a circuit tester like #PTW2979 if needed to test the connector on the vehicle. Have someone sit in the truck and run…

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Answer 12

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Using the 7 Pole to 6 Pole Adapter # 47549

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