Split wiring

[Gunny]

The trailer I bought has a seven pin connector and the scooter lift that is installed now has a four pin connection. Looking around on Amazon I've seen dual connections using both a four pin and a seven pin.  Has anyone done this?

Until I find a smaller, lighter scooter I am stuck using this beast, 187 lbs with no space in the bed if I have the ATV with me. Taking my truck to the mechanic in the morning for oil change and a general lookover and install the connector. 

Rob

http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Curt/C57674.html?feed=npn&gclid=CJ_KnfO93tECFQGnaQod3SUMnA

 

[Trebor English]

Does the trailer have brakes?  The 3 extra pins are for brakes, power, and backup lights.

 

[Gunny]

I believe it has, I have not seen it in person, just pictures. Bought it on a 'Leap of Faith' ...Here is the receptacle on the trailer.

 

[Trebor English]

In some states if the trailer has brakes they must work even if the trailer is light enough for brakes not to be required. The brakes requirement may be based on the trailer weight rating no mater how much weight is on it. If the trailer has brakes it needs the 7 pin connector. If there are no brakes then the cheaper 4 pin is typically used.

There are adapters to connect 4 pin trailers to 7 pin tow vehicles. I think the opposite are also probably available, not sure, Harbor Freight doesn't have them. That would probably be the easiest and cheapest.

If your state requires brakes for your trailer that doesn't mean it won't roll when you pull it. If the loaded trailer is less than 25% of the tow vehicle weight and if the combination actual loaded weight is less than the GVWR of the tow vehicle and the tow vehicle has a nice long wheelbase then towing without trailer brakes might be just fine. If you get in a wreck and you don't have trailer brakes and your trailer is required to have them expect your liability insurance folks to get ugly.

You may find that adding the 7 pin connector to your truck leaves you one brake controller short of what you need. The trailer may have a battery operated system that applies the brakes in case the trailer breaks away from the truck. The battery is probably a lead acid motorcycle battery and maybe dead.

 

[Almost There]

The trailer will definitely need to have a 7 pin connector to mate to on the tow vehicle. Yes, it's for the brakes.

There's two ways to go - have both a wiring harness for hooking up to the trailer AND a 4 pin harness for the scooter lift, or, if you won't be hauling the trailer AND using the scooter lift at the same time, simply have the 7 pin harness installed and buy the 7 pin to 4 pin adapter. WalMart carries them last time I looked.

TE - there is no reverse adapter because if the trailer needs a 7 pin, it's because of the brakes on it. Using only 4 wires leaves you with no brakes on the trailer which would be a big no no!

 

[Gunny]

Thanks Almost There and Trebor, Walmart does indeed carry the thing. Easy fix. Even better....it's cheap.


Rob

 

[DannyB1954]

You can buy a receptacle for your truck that has both the 7 pin RV and 4 pin flat built in so that both can be plugged in at the same time. https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-4097...8&qid=1485409801&sr=8-9&keywords=trailer+plug
https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpow...&qid=1485409801&sr=8-12&keywords=trailer+plug
https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-4847...&qid=1485409932&sr=8-19&keywords=trailer+plug

 

[Gunny]

Danny, I saw those but I'm told that the class 3 hitch I have won't handle the weight of scooter and tongue weight of the trailer. I'll just have to switch back and forth until I find a smaller scooter that I can put in the trailer and go down the road. My upper body strength is good, it's a crappy hip that gums up the works.

Rob

 

[Txjaybird]

I had to purchase  a round 7 pin hook up when I bought the Aliner as the Ranger had a flat 4 pin one.  I went to walmart and 3 auto parts stores and no adapter sooooooo at the last one I found a hook up with both a round 7 pin and flat 4pin.  I bought it and the young man didn't spend 20min splicing it into the Ranger and I didn't tip him $20 and now that I think about it I wasn't even there   :angel:

My mechanic sez he wants the Aliner there at his shop so he can be sure all the wires match from Safari into plug with the coordinating/matching wires coming from the trailer.  I'm glad he knows what he's talking about.  All I used to do in a previous life is run a hot wire off the battery and a ground wire to vehicle body [ i think it was the body......hey I've slept since then ] to hook up my CB...about a hundred years ago 

Jewellann

 

[Gunny]

I stopped by United RV and got a 4 and 7 pin connector combination. With mounting bracket 28 dollars. Stopped by my mechanics place to get it installed and an oil change. When I went to pay I was told I owed $26.00 for the oil change. I asked about the cost off installing the hitch. The mechanic that did it replied "two screws and crimp 7 wires. No charge".

They also took off my scooter carrier, moved my license plate to the original spot and neatly put my carrier in the bed of my truck.

I said "Thank you" but what else does one say when a business does that?

It made my day, not the bit of money I saved, I am not money driven, just the courtesy(?) of what they did.

Autoworx Mansfield Tx.

Rob

And my thanks to Almost There for the heads up.

 

[ArtW]

Nice! I like to hear about good mechanics taking good care of their customers
I wish enough did that to make up for the Aholes who shaft folks

 

[DannyB1954]

Maybe go to YELP and give them a good review.

 

[rvpopeye]

Cool Deal !
Sounds like you're just about ready to go get that rig !

 

[Gunny]

Yessir, even found a sitter for the cat and don't have to board her. I really dreaded leaving her at the vets boarding place. Things have a way of working out. Thanks Popeye.

Rob

 

[rvpopeye]

Gunny
When you're good people (and you are) the trail seems to open up for you.
Have a great trip and don't forget to stop a few times to take in some sights!

 

[jimindenver]

Rob

I'm glad you got the wiring taken care of and found a sitter. It's a lot easier on the animal staying in the house than being boarded.

 

[Gunny]

Thanks Jim, Less stress on the cat and I know the woman who is going to watch her.

Queen of all she surveys...






Rob