How to Adapt a 4 Way Flat Into A 5 Way Flat

Question

Question:

I have a 3500 HD duelly with built in brake assist tow package. I recently got a second hand cargo trailer. It has a 4 pin flat wire connector. This trailer had brakes originally but we’re inoperable when I purchased it. I had the brakes replaced and the wiring harness was replaced. Problem is I now have 5 wires on a 4 wire pin connector. Can’t keep the running lights working. Throw the 20 amp fuse every time. All other lights work and the brakes seem to stay working but not running lights looks to me like the installer tied the brake wire to the brown wire of the 4 way. My deduction is I should have a 5 pin. The way it’s hooked up sounds to me like I’m trying to pull to much power from that small 20 amp fuse. Am I on the right track ? Should I change to a 5 pin Thanks Cuevas Handyman LLC

asked by: Christina C

0

Expert Reply:

When it comes to your 5 wires on your 4 wire pin and you're wanting to run your trailer brakes I recommend switching the 4 flat to The Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7. This kit will make your 4 flat into a 7 round plug and a 4 flat plug so you have both options. This will also activate the brakes on the trailer side. The wire configuration is as follows:

Green: Right turn/brake light
Yellow: Left turn/brake light
Brown: Tail/running lights
White: Ground wire
Blue: Brake controller output
Black: Battery hot lead
Purple: Reverse lights

On the trailer side you would have to cut off the 5 flat and put on The Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8 foot Long - RV Standard # H20046. This will give you the 7 round plug that will attach into your ETBC7. Then you can find the proper brake controller you need. I recommend The Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional # C51180 and The Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller # C83HR.

I also recommend The Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 ounce # 11755, this will help prevent electrical failures caused by corrosion and moisture.

I attached a review video link below.

expert reply by: Noah E

0

Answer 1

If you have a working 4 pin trailer connector and a boat trailer with surge brakes, then you will not need a 4-pin wiring harness. If your trailers 5-pin connector is the flat style you can use the 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter, part…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

view full answer...

Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 7

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 8

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

view full answer...

Answer 10

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

view full answer...

How to Adapt a 4 Way Flat Into A 5 Way Flat

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching