Are you planning a family outing to a camping site? You’ll need to equip your vehicle with a trailer connector. These connectors create a connection between the vehicle and the trailer. Thus, making towing simple and smooth.
If you want to buy a trailer connector, but don’t know the best choice. Read the guide below to find a compatible trailer connector and install it the right way.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Want to tow a trailer? A trailer wiring harness is a must. You have to connect the wiring harness with the rear lights, brake lights, and electrical parts for safe towing. It minimizes electrical issues.
However, trailer connectors connect the trailer with the vehicle. This way, you can carry the trailer to another place. Furthermore, trailer connectors include pins to provide an automotive supply to the trailer. When towing, these wire cables make the process smooth and effective.
Both trailer connectors and wiring harness are different but work together and provide the same function during towing.
Custom Trailer Connector & Trailer Wiring
Tirol provides standard trailer connectors to plug in the wiring without splicing. You should equip your vehicles with trailer connectors for a secure connection. If you don’t have a wiring harness, check Tirol’s components. These include plugs, adapters, and sockets.
TIROL T28123 7-Way Blade Connector To 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
This is a 2-in-1 connector. You get a 7-way blade connector to fit on the vehicle while the 4-way flat connector on the trailer. These high-quality connections can bear harsh weather conditions. You’ll not have to worry about the wear and tear. So, use it for towing your cars or trailers.
TIROL T25690 13P Plug PVC + RVV Cable + 5P Plug
This custom wiring harness features a connector, plug, and cable. You’ll not need to get a separate wire or plug. Install the connector on the vehicle and trailer to develop a long-lasting connection. In addition, the PVC-coated sheet prevents the absorption of moisture or dust in the wirings.
TIROL T28122 7 Way Trailer Plug
This 7-pin plug supplies power to the entire lighting system. The brass plug offers high conductivity, providing a stable connection. Apart from this, two durable handle hooks provide a strong grip.
Types of Trailer Connectors
Trailer connectors are accessories used for towing. These have pins of different colors. Pin connectors supply power to the electrical system. This is also known as trailer wire or cable.
Read the guide to know which trailer connector pin is suitable for your vehicle.
2 Way/Pin Trailer Connectors
This trailer connector is simple, having 2 pins that connect to the trailer. It’s not common. But, you can use a 2-way connector for small or lightweight trailers.
Features
● Easy to use
● Provides secure connection
● Insulated by rubber boots
● Used for lightweight vehicles
Functions
● Provides grounding connection
● Powers ON tail or running light
Applications
● Motorcycle
● Campervan
● Boats
● ATV
3 Way/Pin Trailer Connectors
Trailer connectors having 3 pins or cables are referred to as 3-way trailer connectors. All these three pins show different colors. This represents their unique function.
However, many don’t consider using a 3-way connector for towing. It’s because other connectors provide more effective functions than this pin.
Features
● Simple design
● Easy to install
● Weather-resistant
Function
● Provides ground connection
● Activates tail lights for visibility
● Control turn signal lights
Applications
● Small boats
● Small cargo
● Motorcycle
4 Way/Pin Trailer Connectors:
The most common connector is the 4-pin connector. It provides the basic lighting function necessary to tow a trailer. The connection of the 4-pin is simple. These don’t require enough power for brakes. Instead, a 4-way connector connects the lighting.
Features
● Easy to use
● Provides basic connection
● Used for lightweight vehicles
● Affordable
Functions
● Brake Light
● Rear light
● Left signal
● Right signal
Applications
● Campers
● Boats
● Off-road vehicles
5 Way/Pin Trailer Connectors:
The 4-way connector has four standard pins. These are common in all trailer connectors except 2 and 3-way connectors. When you aren’t dealing with brakes, a 4-pin connector is a good choice. However, to control the trailer’s brakes, you need a 5-way connector.
The fifth pin provides an additional function that supplies power to the brakes. You’ve to connect the last wire to the backup light. It disables the brakes when reversing the vehicle.
Features
● Handles lighting
● Powers signal lights
● Durable rubber connector
● Simple installation
Functions
● Ground
● Powers ON rear light
● Controls right signal and brake lights
● Controls left signal and brake lights
● Disables electric or hydraulic brakes
Applications
● Minivan
● Boats
● Rental trailers
6 Way/Pin Trailer Connectors:
Adding two extra pins in a four-pin connector makes a 6-way trailer. This 6-pin connector performs the basic lighting function and also controls electric brakes. In addition, it provides 12 volts of auxiliary power to the lights and brakes.
Features
● Supply electric power to brakes
● Supply auxiliary power to lights
● Disables electric and hydraulic brakes when reversing
Functions
● Ground
● Powers ON rear light
● Controls right signal and brake lights
● Controls left signal and brake lights
● Disables electric or hydraulic brakes
● Provides 12 Volt auxiliary power
Applications
● Horse vans
● Campervans
● Coaches
7 Way/Pin Trailer Connectors:
There are a maximum of 7 pins with different colors. Many prefer using a 7-way trailer connector, even if the trailer requires a 5-pin connector because it’s effective. When you’re looking to tow heavy trailers, use a 7-pin connector.
There are two types of 7-pin connectors:
1. Flat pin
2. Round pin
Mostly, flat pins are used. Round pins are handy but uncommon.
Features
● Controls lighting
● Controls backup lights
● Controls power supply
● Controls electric brakes
Functions
● Ground
● Powers ON rear light
● Controls right signal and brake lights
● Controls left signal and brake lights
● Disables electric or hydraulic brakes
● Provides 12 Volt auxiliary power
● Backs up tail lights
Applications
● Trucks
● Caravan
● RV
Trailer Connector Cable Length
Choosing the connector cable length isn’t as easy as you think. You need to get the ground wire of a desired length that carries current. For this, you should analyze the vehicle connection.
You can take the wire ranging from 16 inches (40 cm) to 24 inches (60 cm). It should stretch beyond the tongue up to the vehicle’s connection point. If the cable’s length is small or long enough, it creates connection issues.
Before choosing the wire’s length, you should know the following factors:
● Small wires resist current flow
● Supplying greater amperes of current increases resistance
● Connector cable length causes a voltage drop
● An increase in current capacity raises the temperature to 180º F (dangerous level)
Trailer Connector Color Code
You’ve to connect the pins according to the color code guide. Before you connect the connector to the trailer, you should know the meaning of each pin. We’ve compiled a color guide to help you fit the custom wiring.
White Wires: Ground
White or earth wires are used for grounding. This is a common wire in all the pin connectors. White wires deal with the lighting system and vehicle brakes. You have to connect the ground to the white wire through the lights. 1 to 7-pin connectors have this
main wire.
Brown Wires: Tail/Running Lights
Brown wire controls the rear lights. In low light, the tail/running light pops colors to make the vehicle visible on the road. When you drive the car, brown wires turn ON. It supplies power to the vehicle’s tail lights and side lights. 2 to 7-pin connectors have brown cables.
Yellow Wires: Left Turn & Brake Lights
When you turn left, these wires activate. Even on applying the left brake, the trailer blinks a yellow light. It indicates the trailer is limiting the speed. Yellow wires are a part of 4, 5, 6, and 7-pin connectors.
Green Wires: Right Turn & Brake Lights
When you turn right, these wires activate. The green light shows that the towing vehicle is turning to the right. However, green wires also blink on applying the right brake. 4, 5, 6, and 7-pin connectors have green wires.
Blue Wires: Electric Brakes
For controlling brakes, blue wires are used. These wires supply power to the electric brakes. It helps in controlling the rear brake lights of the towing vehicle. This is an additional wire in the 5-way trailer connector.
Red Wires: Auxiliary Power
When it’s about dealing with auxiliary power, you have to use red wires. These include a 6-pin connector. It provides auxiliary power to charge the battery for operating the electrical components of the trailer.
Apart from this, you can also use a separate power source for the lights. But you have to install the source separately.
Purple wires: Backup Lights
This wire deals with the backup and reverse lights. It supplies power to the vehicle’s rear lights. Purple wires provide extra auxiliary power to the battery. These include a 7-pin connector.
| Connector Pins | Color | Function |
| 1 | White | Ground |
| 2 | Brown | Powers ON Rear light |
| 3 | Yellow | Right Signal & Brake light |
| 4 | Green | Left Signal & Brake light |
| 5 | Blue | Disables electric or hydraulic brakes |
| 6 | Red | 12 Volt Accessory Power |
| 7 | Purple | Backs up tail lights |
Accessories Work with Trailer Connectors
Trailer connectors don’t work alone. You need some accessories to adjust the trailer connector and wiring.
Trailer Light
Trailer connectors play an important role in controlling the lighting system. First, you’ll need a connector or adapter that matches your trailer. After this, link the connectors to the connecting points. For this, you’ll have to read the color guide given above.
Then test the trailer light. Check if the lights function properly. You’ll have to analyze these lights:
● Tail lights
● Brake lights
● Left and right turn signals
● Reverse lights
Cables
You have to connect the trailer cables depending on the colors. That’s why you’ll have to understand the color coding system of the trailer wires. If you don’t do so, the lights won’t blink on a specific action.
4-way connector: white, brown, yellow, green
5-way connector: white, brown, yellow, green, blue
6-way connector: white, brown, yellow, green, blue, red
7-way connector: white, brown, yellow, green, blue, red, purple
Trailer Plug Tester
These testers have LED indicators to ensure the connector supplies the right voltage to the lights. It also identifies the electrical connectivity issues. Trailer plug testers detect the following issues:
● Circuit failure
● Faulty plug wiring
● Cable damage
● Poor grounding
● Trailer wiring faults
● Electrical connection errors
Plug Adapters
When a 5-pin connector doesn’t match with your trailer, use an adapter. Plug adapters supply auxiliary power and electrical signals to the towing vehicle. You’ll have to connect the plug adapter with the towing vehicle’s wiring harness.
After towing the vehicle, ensure to remove the adapter. It’ll drain the trapped water. Otherwise, it leads to corrosion. Besides, you can fit a WD-40 to the plug. This makes it corrosion-resistant.
Advantages of Trailer Connector
Why use trailer connectors? That might be your question. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss out on using connectors for towing the vehicle:
● Smooth transfer of electrical signals
● Helps in functioning the trailer lights
● Supply automotive lighting
● Supply power to loads
● Allow safe towing
● Easy to use
● Versatile
Conclusion
Towing a vehicle without a trailer connector is not possible. Because it doesn’t ensure smooth and safe travel. Wherever you go, you should have a connector kit. It’s not only for towing a malfunctioned car. But also to carry a caravan or camping site with the vehicle. So, use trailer connectors to keep the vehicles stable and safe during towing.
FAQS
Q.1. How to Identify a Weak Ground Associated with Your Trailer Lights? When lights create a maximum ampere load, there might be a ground problem. You can follow these steps to identify a weak ground:
● Connecting a rust-coated ground wire on the connection point causes electrical problems
● A trailer having a tilting bed passes poor ground
● Ground blockage at the trailer pivot point
Q.2. How to hook up a 7-pin trailer connector?
Hooking up a 7-pin trailer connector is important for the functioning of running, brake, and signal lights. You’ll need wire splicers, screwdrivers, connectors, and plug testers to connect between the towing car and trailer.
Insert the matching color wires into the blank spot of your vehicle. Then use a tester to check if the lights work or not.
Q.3. How to install trailer wiring?
Installing the trailer wiring is easy. You can install trailer wiring in three ways:
1.Custom Wiring
Without splicing the wire, you can plug a connector (4-pin) or custom wiring into your vehicle. You’ll need a trailer connector, plugs, and electric converters. These components help to install connectors.
2. Electrical Converter
If your vehicle lacks custom wiring, get an electrical converter. You can install the trailer light wiring connection with an electrical converter. Trailer wiring is possible by splicing the wires. In this case, flat 4-pin connectors are used.
3.Trailer Plug Wiring
In some cases, connectors might get damaged. For this, you’ll have to replace the wiring connector with the plug or socket. This is the splice-in technique. You change the connector system into a plug-wiring one.
Q.4. How to test trailer lights without a vehicle?
When you have a trailer plug tester, you’ll not need a vehicle to test trailer lights. Plug testers have LED indicators to test the functioning of lights. Apart from this, you can connect the negative cable to the trailer. Fit a nail in the positive cable and insert in the connectors. Ensure not to put the pin in the earth wire.
