wiring plug adapters

[bob johnson]

I am picking up a trailer with a 5 pin flat plug. my Ford factory receiver has a spot for a 7 pin plug and a spot for a 4 pin flat plug.

I am looking up adapters for a 7 pin to 5 pin connection. and I am seeing 7 pins adapter with a stud in the center, and 7 pin adapters with NO stud in the center!!!

here is my receiver opening:

so there is something in the center that would contact a center stud. But none of the 7 pin to 4 pin adapters I have now have a stud in the center, and they work fine for a non braked trailer.

do I NEED an adapter with a stud in the center?

thanks

bob

 

[gm280]

My neighbor had a similar situation and he found such an adapter at a local Tractor Supply store. But I would think that most any auto parts store would have such adapters as well.

 

[oldjeep]

Center pin has to be there on a 7-5 adapter since that is where the reverse light circuit comes through. On a 4 pin adapter you don't need the center pin since the reverse circuit does not exist on a 4 pin.

 

[bob johnson]

Center pin has to be there on a 7-5 adapter since that is where the reverse light circuit comes through. On a 4 pin adapter you don't need the center pin since the reverse circuit does not exist on a 4 pin.

thanks...glad I asked


bob

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... For what it's worth,.... My truck has/ uses a 7 pin round connector, the standard tractor-trailer connector,.....

Many of my wagons use the 4 pin flat connectors,....
ALL of the pre-made adapters I've found, Don't carry through the Ground pins,....

So,.... I made my own adapter, that allows me to use the 4 pin flat, 'n I added a 7 pin flat connector to use other wagons with the 7 flat pin RV type plugs,....

I'll try to remember to pop a picture of it, 'n post it here,....

 

[smokeonthewater]

You could always just put the 7 blade RV plug on the trailer n be done w it. Personally I hate having to mess w an adapter.

 

[bruceb58]

The 5th pin can either be reverse or brakes so you have to make sure you buy the correct one.

This one has the reverse light
http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Optronics/A75TB.html

You could always just put the 7 blade RV plug on the trailer n be done w it. Personally I hate having to mess w an adapter.

That's what I have on my trailer.

 

[UncleWillie]

Electric brakes are on pin #2 of a 7 pin connector.
Pin #5 of a 5 pin flat will always be "Reverse" unless someone Rednecked it.
If you have a brake signal on a 5 pin flat, you, and the other redneck in town will be the only ones that the the trailer brakes will work for.
There is a reason that standardization comes highly recommended!

 

[bruceb58]

Electric brakes are on pin #2 of a 7 pin connector.
Pin #5 of a 5 pin flat will always be "Reverse" unless someone Rednecked it.
If you have a brake signal on a 5 pin flat, you, and the other redneck in town will be the only ones that the the trailer brakes will work for.
There is a reason that standardization comes highly recommended!

I have seen trailers wired this way and you will even see it described this way on certain sites. Not sure if any adapters are done this way though.

 

[bob johnson]

I bought a reese adapter that has a flat 4way and a flat 5 way to plug into...it also has a row of three lights. I plugged it into my truck and only the light with the T lights up...the L and R don't light

is that turn signals.. and does it mean I have a blown fuse in the truck?

bob

 

[smokeonthewater]

T tail
L left turn/brake
R right turn/brake

Turn your hazards on