Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring To Match 2006 Dodge Durango Factory 7-Way Connector

Question:

I am deciding what to order. I have a 2006 Dodge Durango with factory installed hitch including a 7 and 4 pin connections. These connections for the 7 pin work on the truck because they work for my boat trailer. That has me eliminating the truck as the issue. I purchased a 1996ish 7x14 enclosed Interstate trailer with clearance lights and electric brakes that had a messed up been dragged connector. When I installed a new 7pin connector all the lights worked except when the running lights are on. When they are on no lights work. Questions: Which hook up should I use for the 7pin? Traditional or RV? Is there an easy fix besides testing each circuit and moving on? What has me a bit thrown is that it seems to need wired traditional but the current Bargman 7pin connector/harness trailer side has blue, red, white, yellow, black, green and brown no purple wires. Thanks in advance for help. I am tempted to wire it all again from the start but I simply dont have the time right now. If I had the time I could wire it myself as that is easier for me cognitively than tracing someone elses wiring work.

asked by: Charles

Helpful Expert Reply:

There is no quick and easy fix to find the problem on your wiring issue with your trailer. You stated that there was no problem with the truck wiring because it works with your boat trailer so that does narrow it down to the trailer as the culprit.

The first thing you will want to do is check to make sure the ground is attached correctly and is attached to a clean metal surface. Then, using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, and a 12V power source, check the trailer connector to see how the functions are wired. You will want to match the wires on the trailer to match the wire functions you have on your truck 7-way connector.

I have attached a helpful article that shows both the vehicle side and the trailer side connectors and their functions. You could check the functions on your boat trailer and use the same wire pattern on your enclosed trailer so that it works the same as your boat trailer lights.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L