Trailer plug wiring

[MikeWa]

Hi All. I just got a new used pull behind trailer. It came with a 4-wire connector (US) which I am going to change to a five wire round (Metric) plug. Since neither my bike nor the trailer are wired for a five pin round plug my question is; is there a standard order for the pins? Or is every trailer unique?

 

Thanks

Mike

[Flyinfool]

A 5 pin round is not a standard trailer connector.

http://www.etrailer.com/question-15255.html

[MikeWa]

Ok found it. From the rear of the vehicle connector going clockwise. Top (12:00) Brown tail lights. Next is Blue brake light. Followed by Green right turn. Then Yellow left turn. Finally White ground. Wire colors may vary on some bikes.

Tail lights, Brake lights, Right turn, Left turn, Ground.

Of course the rear of the trailer connector will be the opposite or ccw.

 

Mike

[dacheedah]

Y not just put in the converter and pull the trailer with the standard 4 flat, http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/vehicle-wiring-connectors/power-taillight-converters/short_proof_power_converter.html the isolator will protect vehicle wiring , turn the bike to 4 flat and you can still use your trailer behind a vehicle with no modifications.

Edited August 29, 2013 by dacheedah

[Wirkinman]

I just purchased a Used trailer and needed to set up my bike with a round 5-pin plug.

I checked around and found Amazon had the best price.

 

Hopkins 48345 5 Pole Round Connector Kit

Current price: $9.12

Free shipping if your an amazon prime member.

[MikeWa]

Y not just put in the converter and pull the trailer with the standard 4 flat, http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/vehicle-wiring-connectors/power-taillight-converters/short_proof_power_converter.html the isolator will protect vehicle wiring , turn the bike to 4 flat and you can still use your trailer behind a vehicle with no modifications.

 

US manufactured vehicles use a standard system that shares the turn signals and brake lights. Hence 4 wire connector. Asian vehicles use a standard system where the brake lights and turn signals use separate lights and wires. Hence 5 wire connector. Other needs such as cabin power and electric brakes may be run through additional wires. 6,7 or 8 pin connectors

 

I could have adapted to the 4 wire setup using some diodes. But I chose to go ahead and add some led brake lights to the trailer. I will then use the 5 wire Asian type set up that matches my bike. I can then tow the trailer with Asian vehicles such as Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Hyundai etc. without modification. Also since the 4 wire lights will still be on the trailer I can simply make an adapter so the trailer can be pulled with a vehicle using that setup. No diodes needed.

 

I wanted to know the standard pin locations so I wouldn't need to be tracing wires every time I made a vehicle change.

 

Mike

[dacheedah]

This is what I think you are looking for, most cars using 5 wires use a 5 flat but the 5th wire is actually for reverse. I think most imports would have an isolator / converter when set up to tow or have a common 7 pin to be universal.

 

http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/doc/trailer_wiring_codes.pdf

 

http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/support/wiring-guides.html

 

The problem is with the 5 round their is not a standard in the US

 

http://www.etrailer.com/question-15255.html

[MikeWa]

The convention seems to be the same as a 6 pin round but not using the center power wire.

 

5 Pin round as shown are common on motorcycles.

 

[ATTACH]79660[/ATTACH]

 

 

Same as in the first link above.