Can Same 7-Way Connector Be Used for Towing Air Brake and Electric Brake Trailers

Question:

I have a 2006 sterling 9500 tandem axle truck with air brakes and pintle hitch. Is there a way to wire this 7 way to operate both an abs air brake trailer, as well as an electric brake trailer with the same plug? Or would that require 2 seperate 7 ways be installed? I would like the capability to pull an air brake trailer or an electric brake trailer at any given time. Thank you

asked by: Austin

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out!

The wiring on an air brake trailer and electric brake trailer are different so you'll need 2 separate 7-Ways for this application.

The Pollak Heavy-Duty, 7-Pole, Round Pin Trailer Wiring Socket # PK11720 can be used for your air brake trailer while you'll want to use something like the Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket # PK11898 and the Wiring Converter # RM-732 to combine the turn and brake signals for the electric brake trailer. The pins are different plus the air brake trailer uses separated turn and brake signals while the electric brake trailer has the turn and brake signals combined.

Attached is a link to a wiring article that shows what functions you'll want on each of the pins.

With all of that being said, I do have an alternative solution that you might be interested in if the trailers you plan on towing are the only ones you'll be towing with your truck. The EZ Connector Magnetic 14-Pin Trailer Connector # 319-S14-05-6 can be installed on your truck and then you can install a EZ Connector Magnetic 14-Pin Trailer Connector # 319-S14-07-6 on each of your trailers, you'll just need to make sure you have the pins lined up per trailer, and that nothing gets crossed over. You'll also need to still use the converter for the pins to connect to the electric brake controller trailer.

Attached are some videos for you to check out.