I'm guessing left/right running light aka parking light wire join inside to go to one pin.
Posted on 05/27/2022 6:31:45 AM PDT by Paul R.
How commonly are 5-pin trailer (electrical) connectors used? I'm looking at a combo 7-pin to 4-pin and 5-pin adapter plug on Amazon. (Two in one.) No surprise: It is a few bucks costlier than a simpler 7-pin to 4-pin adapter plug. But, I can't recall ever seeing a 5-pin in the flesh /in use. Are they really very uncommon? Does one particular type of trailer typically use the 5 pin connectors?
If very uncommon, I might as well save the few $$ and get a 7-pin to 4-pin (only) adapter.
(I may be in the market for a 2nd used trailer by July or so. My present utility trailer and a small boat trailer are 4-pin.)
Thanks!
I think 4-pin is the standard, at least on newer vehicles. I’ve seen 5-pins on my uncle’s old farm Dodge. That thing has gone through Hell and back and still runs like a top, and I’m not a fan of Dodge by any stretch. Oldies still hold together better than the new stuff.
Not sure about 5 pin flat.
4 pin and 7 pin are the most common, at least in US
I'm guessing left/right running light aka parking light wire join inside to go to one pin.
He jury rigged something. That Dodge is from the 80s, I suspect, but it was def. a 5-pin flat. He used it to tow around farm equipment for his pastures: sprayers, tillers, etc.
Connectors and adapters on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2510209.m570.l1313&_nkw=5+pin+flat+trailer&_sacat=0
The 5-pin is not very common plug.
The only place that I’ve ever had to use one is on the trailer hookup to my Gold Wing motorcycle.
It’s been awhile since I did the hook-up, but if I remember correctly, I think it required a separate feed for the brake lights, L & R turn signals, ground and running lights.
Depends on the specific application, and how your vehicle wires the lights.
Any folks that have towed witth a Jeep XJ know all about non-conforming plugs and wiring.
1) Do you have a trailer with a 5-way plug?
B) Do you have a vehicle with a 5-way socket?
III) If the answer is ‘no’ to both of the above, why are you even worrying about it? Just get the 4-way to 7-way adapter and get on with your trailering life...
I bought a new boat last year and the trailer had a 5 pin when we went to hook it up for a final test drive.
I looked at the dealer and said “I’m not buying it unless you give me an adapter.”
This is going to sound like a weird suggestion, but have you tried your local U-Haul? They install trailer hitches but also carry parts for older setups.
I had my SUV wired for a seven pin plug so I could tow my travel trailer. It took them forever to get it wired correctly since my brake lights were separate and apart from the turn signals.
I think it’s common nowadays for seven pin adapters to be standard. Then if you need a four pin you can buy that additional plug-in.
A 1980s Miley horse trailer I have uses a 5th pin to power an overhead light inside the box. Newer ones use a round connector.
What if he has to rent a trailer? I don’t remember how many pins it had.
Well, I wouldn’t say I’m “worrying about it” - just thought that if 5-pin flat was “the up and coming thing” or common in some uses, since I’ll likely be looking for another trailer by July or so, going with the combo for a few $ more might (might) be a good pre-emptive move. Much less the time to find one again later if the need was likely to arise. (The combo adapter is “saved for later” in my cart/account, but, stuff like this has a way of suddenly being out of stock, these days, if one goes back to it 2 months later.)
Easy enough to ask while chowing breakfast, do a couple chores, come back and now I have my answer. :-)
Summary: “Petty darn uncommon.”
Besides, I / we got all these great diagrams & useful discussion posted on the thread as a bonus!! ;-)
Yes, looks like that 5th pin is added for a brake control on the 5-pin flat.
When it comes to trailer light replacement, go directly to LED. Especially if it’s a boat.
Or in that diagram, the 5th pin (flat) is for reverse lights...
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