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Electrical Hook-Ups |
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Trailer Electrical Connections:
A trailer must be connected to the tow vehicle's electrical system to supply control and power to operate the:
 | Stop / Brake Lights |
| Running Lights |
| Turn Signals |
| Electric Brakes |
| Auxiliary lighting and accessories |
Without a proper electrical connection, you will have a trailer that is dangerous to both you, your horses, and other drivers on the road.
Standards:
Unfortunately, there are multiple "standard" and "proprietary" configurations for the physical connectors (plugs and sockets) used in the trailer industry. You must have compatible connectors on both your trailer and tow vehicle.
7-Pin Bergmann:
This is one of the newest standards, and is the default connector on our trailers unless other-wise specified. The plug has 6 flat connectors around a single round center pin. The plug is 1-5/8-inch in diameter and is shown on the right in this photo.
6-Pin Round:
This is an older style connector that has a 1-inch diameter plug with 5 round pins spaced around a center round pin (shown on left in the photo). Unfortunately - there are several wiring variations of this plug ("RV" and "Trailer"), so although the physical connector may be the same, the electrical wiring ("pin-out") may be different from what you need. If you have this type socket on your tow vehicle - you must have a technician verify the electrical pin-out is compatible with your trailer. This plug is available on our trailers at no extra cost, but must be specified upon ordering.
4-Pin Flat:
This is a typical plug used for small utility trailers and boats. It does not support electric brakes or auxiliary power. It must not be used to power your horse trailer.
Converters / Adapters:
Often, I find that I need to tow someone else's trailer with my truck... or my trailer with someone else's truck. No problem, assuming all the capacity weight ratings are met and the electrical systems are compatible. But what happens when I have a 7-pin system on my truck and trailer, and need to mix that with a 6-pin system? Instead of taking the risks of hauling without lights and brakes (as many folks do), I have adapters to convert both truck and trailer from the 7-pin to the 6-pin systems. One converter, the 7-pin to 6-pin adapter for the truck was purchased ready-made (however, the pin-out needed to be changed from "RV" to "horse trailer" mode). At the time, I could not find an adapter to convert the trailer side from 7-pin to 6-pin, so I made one. Since then, I've also seen these ready made. You can find useful adapters at many auto-parts, camper / RV, and truck accessories shops. I highly recommend you carry them.
 The "plug" end fits into your truck's 7-pin socket |
The "socket" end accepts a trailer's 6-pin plug |
 This shows a 6-pin trailer plug mated into the adapter - ready to plug into a 7-pin truck socket. Note: the pin-out on this adapter was set for RVs (not correct for horse trailers) when it was purchased - but it was easy to correct. |
 This photo shows a 7-pin female socket adapter to a 6-pin trailer plug. Use something like this to adapt a 7-pin trailer to 6-pin truck socket. |
Caution: I have also seen 6 & 7-pin to 4-pin adapters. These must only be used to connect a 4-pin utility / boat trailer to a tow vehicle with a 6 or 7-pin socket. Never attempt to use these in reverse... from a 4-pin truck socket to a 6 or 7-pin horse trailer!
For further information, check out etrailer.com's electrical hook up page at: http://www.etrailer.com/faq/wiring.asp