I'm thinking about buying a trailer tomorrow with a 7-way plug. At the moment my tow vehicle only has a flat-4 connector. The trailer weighs less than my vehicles hitch rating, and also weighs less than the weight where trailer brakes are required. Until I get a brake controller installed in my vehicle, will it work to run a wire from the ground on my flat-4 to the ground in the 7 plug, a wire from the left signal in my flat 4 to the left signal in the 7 plug etc? I understand I will lose the other functions of a 7 plug, but I will not need them for the short trip I am making.

Use one of these:http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Curt/C57674.htmlIt will provide light functions now, then you can add the battery, brakes, and backup light circuits later.

That's the exact plug I plan on getting, but I may be buying a trailer tomorrow (not enough time for shipping). My question was more will jerry-rigging wires from the flat 4 to 7-way plug work until the adapter arrives? I see no reason why it would not.

In theory, yes, as long as you can maintain a good connection at all times. You might try looking at your local auto parts store to see if they may have one in stock. Here is what autozone has to offer if you have a store near you and they have it in stock. That way you won't have to wait for shipping.

There's no reason that won't work on a temporary basis, but I wouldn't waste any money on an adapter. If the trailer is coming to you with a seven round, it likely already has brakes, and probably a charging line, too. If I was in your position I'd change the tow vehicle connection to a seven round, or add one next to the four flat. That way you have all the flexibility you need for adding brakes/charging line back in.On that subject:Dunno about your State, but in mine, if a trailer is already equipped with brakes one is required to use them whether or not the trailer's "under the required weight".

How far are you towing this trailer? IMO, if its local and during the day: I would tow without the lights. I doubt any forum members will agree with me though.

7 way plug to flat 4 | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

Bmach
Explorer II
Feb 02, 2014
I can't believe the difference between states
The_Texan
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
Bmach wrote:
Texan here you go!

http://www.readybrake.com/state_laws.html
Thank you for making my point......There is NO federal reg applicable to non commercial vehicles, only state regs and not all states specify a weight.
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
Bmach wrote:
Texan here you go!

Made into clicky

Looks like most states are 3000# Ohio is 2000# and Massachusetts is 10,000# :E !!! Maybe the Feds should step in and set a standard for all states.

Don
Bmach
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2014
Texan here you go!

http://www.readybrake.com/state_laws.html
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
Was not aware that the Federal regs on trailer brakes were only for commercial.

Don
The_Texan
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:

BTW the Feds say anything at or over 2000# needs brakes with a brake-away cable and battery. Will you get caught running with out them, most likely not. Unless you are running without lights, then you are waving a very large red flag that every LEO will chase after.

Don
Please provide a source for your statement, as it applies to any NON commercial vehicle and trailer.
The_Texan
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
boosTT wrote:
How far are you towing this trailer? IMO, if its local and during the day: I would tow without the lights.

I doubt any forum members will agree with me though.
I'll agree with you about this......In fact, in our state, this is legal, as long as the vehicle lights can be seen.
Johnny_H
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
I remeber back before there was such a standard on trailers as there is today, my dad would use safety pins and wire to hook up lights because everyone wired their plugs differently. As long as they are working nobody really looks at how they are.
carringb
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:

BTW the Feds say anything at or over 2000# needs brakes with a brake-away cable and battery. Will you get caught running with out them, most likely not. Unless you are running without lights, then you are waving a very large red flag that every LEO will chase after.

Don

Federal law only applies to commercial interstate travel. Most states have their own trailer-brake laws, some lower some higher. Oregon does not require trailer brakes at any weight, as stopping any combination is simply a performance spec.
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
I have never seen an adapter that allows a four pin to go into a seven pin pig tail. Go to u-haul and buy a set of tow lights that plug directly into the OME four wire plug you have. Or better yet have them install a seven pin on your vehicle and tow the trailer correctly.

BTW the Feds say anything at or over 2000# needs brakes with a brake-away cable and battery. Will you get caught running with out them, most likely not. Unless you are running without lights, then you are waving a very large red flag that every LEO will chase after.

Don

Forum Discussion

7 way plug to flat 4

21 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

7 pin plug amperage rating?

Flat

Three-pronged plugs

Changing flat tires?

exterior solar plug