Differences Between Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-, 5- and 4-Way # HM48470 and # HM47570

Question:

I was wanting to know what the difference between these three trailer plugs. Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow Trailer Connector Adapter - 7-Way to 6-Way, 5-Way or 4-Way Hopkins Multi-Tow Trailer Connector Adapter - 7-Way to 5-Wire Flat/4-Wire Flat and 12-V Power Socket Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-, 5- and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End - Ergonomic Design I want to purchase an all in one trailer plug for 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. Please let me know what the difference is between all three plugs. Also, would they fit on my truck. Thank you.

asked by: Herman W

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-, 5- and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector # HM48470 is a combination 7-, 5- and 4-way trailer socket for a tow vehicle that connects to the vehicle through screw-down wire terminals on its rear. With this item in place you can connect trailers with either 4-pole or 5-pole flat connectors or a 7-way blade style.

Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow Trailer Connector Adapter # HM47570 serves a similar purpose but its connections are different. This part connects to the vehicle's existing 7-way blade style socket and provides the options to connect trailers with 4-pole or 5-pole flat connectors (as with the part noted above) or a 6-way round pin trailer connector.

The third adapter you referenced, Tow Ready Trailer Connector Adapter w/ Lamp-Out Sensor Bypass # 20142 does not adapt different types of trailer connectors like the parts above, but instead serves the purpose of bypassing the bulb-out sensor on many newer European automobiles which can, by trailers with efficient LED lighting, be fooled into thinking the lights are damaged.

If your 2012 Ram 1500 came with a factory 7-way connector and you need to replace it you can use one of the items shown on the link provided. All connect to the truck with a standard round U.S. Car Connector.

For reference I have linked an article on wiring that shows the various types of vehicle and trailer connectors in use.