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Posts: 956
Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs | I have just gone from a trailer without brakes to one with brakes (surge). The coupler on the old truck was for a 4 wire coupler. I now have a 5th wire presumably to disable the surge brakes when baking. Can someone tell me if I can just run a fifth wire from a backup light to the fifth connector (center pin) or is there more to it? Should I just have a whole new coupler socket installed on the truck? If so, can an average Joe do this at home or not? Anyone know of a shop in/near N/W Chicago for this?
Thanks,
Karl
Edited by KARLOUTDOORS 3/27/2008 1:11 PM
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Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes | That 5th wire might be power to keep the battry on your surge brake charged. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | First off, what kind of truck do you have?
Edited by Merckid 3/27/2008 2:19 PM
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Posts: 32957
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | You certainly can run a hot wire from the backup light to that pin, if your trailer is like mine it disengages the brakes electronically so you can back up, as you posted. |
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| this kind of adapter will help keep the rigging clean...
the "extra" (5th) wire taps into the backup light circuit in your vehicle.
the kits provide extension wires and connector splices to make it easy.
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/fitguides/details.asp?ProdID=20136&dlr=0
http://www.rigidhitch.com/pages/pdfs/PAGE-100-101.pdf
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| I suggest the Hopkins Lite Mate. These are a "T", and plug into your vehicles existing wiring harness. Simple, fast, and no corrosion to deal with down the line. These are available at stores like Fleet Farm, Some Walmarts, Tractor Supply, Northern tool, etc. Maybe even U-Haul.
http://www.trailerwiring.com/
Follow the steps to pick the right one for your vehicle. |
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Posts: 956
Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs | I pull with a 1999 Ford F-150. |
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| Does it have the round 7 pin receptacle on it? Then head to Wally Mart, and pick up a 7 to 5 adaptor. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Yes, that truck should be wired for that. If not, that extra wire needed is typically wrapped up and under your hitch. or shoved up in the corner by your tail light. But it's there, just have to figure it out. |
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Coupler for trailer w/Brakes