Converter Recommendation For Motorcycle With 4-Way Connector Towing Trailer With 6-way

Question:

I just bought a motorcycle camper that has a square 6 pole connector on. My motorcycle has a flat 4 because my little cargo trailer only has turnsignals and brake lights and 2 marker lights. I am looking for some kind of an adaptor to use so I can bring the camper home and then change out the camper plug or the bike plug so I have 1 plug that works on both trailers. Motorcycle is a Gold wing GL1800 camper trailer is a 1998 Kwik Kamp. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Joel S

Helpful Expert Reply:

The first thing to do is determine if the camper has a combined or separate taillight system. A combined system is what most trailers and older cars use. The same bulb in the taillight assembly is used for the brake lamp and the turn signal. A separate system would use one bulb for the brake, and a separate bulb, usually behind an amber lens for the turn signal. Since most motorcycles have a separate lighting system, most motorcycle trailers are wired that way also. When testing the wire functions on the motorcycle or on the camper you can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993.

In order to be able to use the 4-way on your motorcycle you will need a converter like the Tow-Ready Vehicle to Vehicle Taillight Converter, part # 118158. Attach the converter to your camper first. I have attached a photo that shows how the wires should be run. Since you have a 6-way connector on the camper side, you can splice into the appropriate wires, behind the trailer connector without removing it, indicated by the yellow arrow. For the converter to plug into the vehicle you can use part # 18004.

You will bypass the converter to connect the taillights and also the ground as the photo shows. You can use a jacketed 10 gauge 2-wire like part # 10-2-1. This can be ordered by the foot.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L