The Hitch in Trailer Wiring.
When working on a trailer, the electrical interface between the trailer and the tow vehicle can present special issues that must be understood and delt with in order to prevent problems
Appendix A & B of this paper show the typical wiring and the common pinouts of the 7-pin connector. However, this paper does not attempt to describe how to wire the 7-pin connector. Instead, it discusses issues around the 7-pin connector that trailer electrical upgrades may run into and how to avoid them.
When working on a trailer, the electrical interface between the trailer and the tow vehicle can present special issues that must be understood and delt with in order to prevent problems
- The 7-Pin connector can not handle the current used in alternator charging
- The 7-Pin connector connects several critical safety signals that must continue to operate.
- Electric brake controls
- Brake lights
- Running lights
- Reverse lights
If the user is not careful, they can create situations where these functions do not work and/or create a
fire hazard.
fire hazard.
Appendix A & B of this paper show the typical wiring and the common pinouts of the 7-pin connector. However, this paper does not attempt to describe how to wire the 7-pin connector. Instead, it discusses issues around the 7-pin connector that trailer electrical upgrades may run into and how to avoid them.
