Tow electrical March 23, 2017, 06:14:06 pm Yesterday I purchased the last major piece for my LD-car tow setup, the tow bar. The car itself was towed by the previous owner so was already configured, including a 4 pin electrical outlet for using its brake lights, etc. The LD has the same 4 pin outlet.The electrical cord that was included in my purchase (preowned) has a suitable 4 pin plug at one end, but a 7 pin plug at the other. Is there an adaptor I can purchase for the 7 pin, or is there a 4 pin plug on the market so I can rewire it?Thanks Matt
Re: Tow electrical Reply #1 – March 23, 2017, 06:29:01 pm Yes they make a 4 pin to 7 pin adapter. Amazon, Walmart or a trailer supply should have them.
Re: Tow electrical Reply #2 – March 23, 2017, 06:30:07 pm Overlander While I have no explanation for that 7 pin configuration of yours, here's what I can say. Some towds have a problem with battery drain while being towed. This is particularly well known to Honda owners, myself included. The solution to that is the use of a 6 wire umbilical, four wires for the light functions and a fifth for an auxiliary to the towd battery to keep it charged while underway.It took me a while to resolve this but I've been towing this way now through a Civic and now a CRV. Six pin plugs and receptacles are fairly easy to find and a cable can probably be purchased ready made. You'll probably hear from other on this topic as well. 1 Likes
Re: Tow electrical Reply #3 – March 23, 2017, 06:40:25 pm Thanks. I was thinking about replacing the 7 pin plug with a 4 pin one, as there is a 4 pin receptacle on the car and LD. Matt
Re: Tow electrical Reply #4 – March 23, 2017, 06:42:03 pm Matt ... this might help you.Replaced 4-Pole OEM Plug SocketWorked for us.
Re: Tow electrical Reply #5 – March 23, 2017, 06:54:21 pm Thanks Traxless. I'd prefer not to start changing the receptacles on the car and LD if can be avoided at this present time.If I could find the chrome plug shown in my photo, I would hopefully just be able to remove the 7 pin one and replace it with the 4 pin (square pin arrangement) plug.Matt
Re: Tow electrical Reply #6 – March 23, 2017, 07:17:29 pm My inefficient web searching finally found what I believe I need:Pollak Heavy-Duty, 4-Pole, Round Pin Trailer Wiring Connector - Chrome -...Matt
Re: Tow electrical Reply #7 – March 23, 2017, 07:17:45 pm When installing tow setups, I like to use 6 or 7 pin plugs. The extra wires allow for toad battery charging, a toad brake indicator light or a manual toad brake activation button.The 6 and seven pin plugs have two heavier wires, one for the ground, the other for battery charging.Larry
Re: Tow electrical Reply #8 – March 23, 2017, 08:05:55 pm When I had my tow system installed, the guy mounted a 7 pin right next to the LD 4 pin.He used the wiring diagram in the LD owners manual to identify what wire from the 4 pin matched what terminal on the 7 pin. Took him about 30 minutes start to finish.Hopkins Endurance 7-Way Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End - Ergonomic...Ed
Re: Tow electrical Reply #9 – March 24, 2017, 02:57:23 pm Quote from: Ed D. - March 23, 2017, 08:05:55 pmWhen I had my tow system installed, the guy mounted a 7 pin right next to the LD 4 pin.He used the wiring diagram in the LD owners manual to identify what wire from the 4 pin matched what terminal on the 7 pin. Took him about 30 minutes start to finish.It would be nice to have the towed vehicle's battery charge maintained. If my understanding is correct, the 4 pin is for lights only so I need a fifth for the power. Since both my vehicle and LD currently only have 4 pin receptacles, I assume additional circuitry would be needed for the charging on both vehicles - is that correct?Matt
Re: Tow electrical Reply #10 – March 24, 2017, 03:15:42 pm "If my understanding is correct, the 4 pin is for lights only so I need a fifth for the power."That's exactly correct. I did not do the work myself but I understand that 12v can be accessed from a mid-ships wire run where that charge line would then be taken to the umbilical connector at the rear of the Lazy Daze. A 6 wire connecter would be utilized for the four light wires + the charge line through a separate (and removable) cable to the towed vehicle. All connectors/receptacles need to be 6 wire. An additional wire would be needed from the tow vehicles connector up to the battery (with an in-line fuse). It's really a simple install for anyone familiar with trailer wiring. If you happen to be using a Road Master 'Sterling' tow bar, as am I, you'll need to run it through the tube before attaching the rearmost connector. It then becomes an integral part of the tow bar. https://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx
Re: Tow electrical Reply #12 – March 24, 2017, 03:42:50 pm Various ways, most are inertia activated but it depends on the individual unit. My Duo-Stay and Play is inertia... step on the brake in the RV and that initial slowing transmits to brake control for braking in the towed.
Re: Tow electrical Reply #13 – March 24, 2017, 04:23:48 pm https://smibrake.com/towed-vehicle-braking-systems/stay-in-play-duo.phpThought I'd provide a link to my braking system. I really cannot say enough good things about this system. As contrasted to other methods, this unit is mounted permanently in the engine compartment of the towed vehicle, out of sight and out of mind, completely invisible. No need to insert or remove anything in the drivers foot well or clamp it to the brake pedal. Connect your hitch cables, throw a toggle switch and away you go (unless you own a Honda and have to run the gear routine) . I've owned two, 1st on my Honda Civic and then 2nd, with an upgraded unit, on my Honda CRV. Plain and simple, no adjustments to make (or forget), even I can manage it. 1 Likes
Re: Tow electrical Reply #14 – March 24, 2017, 04:34:44 pm Looks like a nice system. I should have been more clear -- how is the OP's brake actuation handled?That sometimes influences number of connector contacts and general towing connection compatibility...Chip
Re: Tow electrical Reply #15 – March 24, 2017, 04:40:50 pm I have a Brake Buddy system that has a cigarette lighter power connector. The PO included it in our purchase but I have not yet operated it.Matt
Re: Tow electrical Reply #16 – March 24, 2017, 04:57:51 pm CHIPIn my case they use an "Air Actuator" which is clamped to the brake pedal arm and is activated through a hose from the vacuum system. You can see how it works in the video provided with that link I sent. Hope this answers your question.
Re: Tow electrical Reply #17 – March 25, 2017, 07:12:09 am This is not an answer to the original poster's question. He's looking for an adapter or new cable.I rewired our LD with a 7-pin connector and used a 7-pin on the 2009 Honda Fit Sport we tow. I found that the "RV ProPlug" fit very well when mounted to the LD's bumper face. The brake system is an SMI Stay-in-Play Duo.The Ford E-series chassis is prewired for a 12V charge line and a trailer electric brake controller. LD did not choose to extend those wires to the 4-pin hitch connector. They are under the coach, though.I'd be happy to help walk anyone through the process of finding and using the Ford wiring. This is probably best done by e-mail and phone, so if anyone is interested send me a private message via this forum that includes your e-mail address, and we'll go from there. I can also send a diagram set, if that's your cup of tea.Mark H. 2 Likes
Re: Tow electrical Reply #18 – March 25, 2017, 12:49:49 pm Quote from: Overlander - March 24, 2017, 04:40:50 pmI have a Brake Buddy system that has a cigarette lighter power connector. The PO included it in our purchase but I have not yet operated it.When using it, make sure it is securely positioned so it can't shift or move.Since it is portable, getting it properly mounted is crucial, many toads have burned due to a shifted Brake Buddy applying the brakes when they are not needed, causing them to overheat and catch fire. A good reason why permanently mounted toads brakes are better, in most situations.Larry
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