Parts Needed To Connect Lights From A Removable Trailer Extension To A 5th Wheel

Question

Question:

My 5th wheel has factory LED taillights with the 3 wire red-black-white system. I am adding a trailer extension and want to install taillights that duplicate the 5th wheel lights. I assume I should buy and install a pair of 3 wire LED taillights with the 3 wire system as above. Then, I should be able to locate and splice into the 3 wires on the left side and the 3 wires on the right side and connect them accordingly to the two new trailer extension lights. There is no pigtail connection on my 5th wheel, so I am planning to bastardize a 7 connection plug set. I will never need to connect anything else as I dont ever want to double tow. This extension is very much like a Swivelwheel motorcycle hauler. It was actually built by Blue Ox but is no longer manufactured or marketed by them. I appreciate any comments you might have. Thanks!

asked by: Rick O

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Rick,

I am aware of the Swivelwheel extenders, though not the Blue Ox ones, so I do have an idea of what you are attempting to achieve.

It sounds like what you are looking to do should pose no problems at all and shouldn't be too difficult either, especially if you are familiar with wiring. You will, of course, need some butt connectors, wiring, and both trailer and vehicle side 7 Way connectors. I have a list of everything you would need listed out below, but I included two different quick splice options. You will need to choose the one that suits your wiring the best.

Bonded 4 Wire - per foot # 16-4B-1
Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Qty 10 # DW05744-10
Self-Stripping Connector with Waterproof Sealant - 14-18 Gauge - Qty 1 # SWC501746-1
Quick Splices - Self-Stripping Connector - Closed Port - 14-16-18/10-12 Gauge - Qty 1 # SWC501925-1
Mounting Bracket # PK12711U
Pollak 7-Pole, RV Blade-Style Trailer Socket # PK12-707E
Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End # PK12706

That said, if I were doing this I would use the EZ Connector Magnetic 7-Way # 319-R7-01. Yes, it is more expensive. But, the magnetic connection is an easy way to get everything hooked up and/or disconnected.

expert reply by: Lazer S

0

Barry

4/1/2024

I think this product is a great idea however the 4 foot trailer pig tale is way too short. I ran a string on existing trailer pig tale and it’s about 7 feet to get up inside front of rig. Why is it so short? Pennies to give customer more length to reach

Reply

Lazer S.

4/2/2024

@Barry I do agree with you in that 4 feet in total is pretty short, particularly for the trailer side. The thinking behind the EZ-Connector products is that they are replacements for factory (for the lack of a better term) 7 Ways. Since it will basically just be spliced into the wiring from a removed 7 Way, it doesn't need to be very long. The trailer side would typically be wired into a junction box, but again, I agree 2 feet is pretty short for a trailer connector. Especially since junction boxes can be mounted pretty far back from the coupler. That said, EZ-Connector does offer 6 foot ( # 319-S7-07-6 ) and 8 foot ( # 319-S7-10 ) options, but these are for the trailer side only and they do not include the vehicle side. The # 319-R7-05 would need to be ordered as a separate part to have both sides

Reply

Rick O.

3/13/2024

Thanks very much for the vote of confidence Lazer. I managed to remove the taillights and fish down some bonded 4 wire through the camper body and reached the ground. It now appears that was the hardest part of the job, except I will have to solder my connections behind the lights with very little space available. I already have the various items you've listed, or I would have ordered everything from eTrailer with confidence. I've had great success working with you in the past.

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