Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jan 16, 2014

Trailer wire harness

Splitting the trucks 7-pin into both 6-pin TC plug and 4-pin trailer plug. What are you guys using? Fabricating a harness? Torklift's expensive splitter/extension? We'll be pulling a 6x12 enclosed, no brakes, but a handfull of running lights plus brake and license lights. All are incandesent, as are all the lights on the TC. Do I need to worry about amp draw? Is it better to switch to LED running/brake lights? What about some kinda relay array? How about a booster instead of LEDs, like this:
http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Tow-Ready/119192.html
I have a factory, 2013 Ford connector on the truck and the 7-pin to 6-pin, about 10' long, cord that came with the coach. My cargo trailer is 4-pin. We will not be using a hitch extension, so I don't need the Torklift unit's longer wires. Sources for cheap components to make a harness or links for reasonably priced ready-made would be appreciated. I'm not afraid of a soldering iron or shink tube and I haven't checked what gauge wire the factory used. I guess I know enough to be dangerous, but that's about it.
Thanks

Truck Campers

14 Replies

hedge
Explorer
Jan 16, 2014
well you can use both at the same time if you can figure out a way to get the door open, maybe remove the hinge pin? I have mine t-d off for an in-bed plug for when I tow the 5th wheel. I use this plug to the camper and use my flat 4 pin at the back at the same time.
Carb_Cleaner
Explorer
Jan 16, 2014
It's my understanding that there are seperate fuses for the Ford's trailer connector, but power to the factory plug isn't my issue. It works fine. A safe method for powering the truck camper and a trailer at the same time is my objective.
Yes. The factory Ford hook-up has a 7-pin and a 4-pin connection, but you can only open one access door, 7 or 4, at a time. That's what got me thinking about amp draw. I'm sure it'd be a no-brainer to solder in a 4-pin pigtail for the trailer into the camper's 10 foot long cord. I'm trying to find out if that's advisable, or will I have problems?
hedge
Explorer
Jan 16, 2014
Doesn't your truck already have a 7pin and a 4pin plug? I thought all recent Ford's did?
enblethen
Nomad
Jan 16, 2014
You can buy a four pin flat extension cable at many auto parts stores or RV stores.
Most new Fords have two wiring systems. One is for rig and other for trailer.
Was or is the cmper connected to the rig's electrical or is it connected to the trailer system.
There should be separte set of fuses under the hood for the trailer connector.