Brake Controller Hookup

[ProMac1K]

Looking into purchasing a gooseneck trailer with electric brakes. I've got the pigtail with the connector, that came with the truck. Previous owner had installed a gooseneck hitch and a 5th wheel hitch. I'm assuming there is a female connector under the dash for the pigtail, then the wires get spliced to the controller. But what i'm wondering (with my little trailer knowledge), is there a special connector or socket at the back of the truck, or does it use the same round socket as the trailer lights. If so, i've got the factory one on the receiver hitch, and there was one spliced in on the wires by the frame that went to inside of the bed. Are these the connectors that are used for the trailer brake hookup? I'm told that the trailer has a 7 pin connector. Am I going to need a wire harness to go from the trailer to my pickup, or would you think that the trailer would have one on?



Thanks

 

[jelag]

There is an industry standard for the 7 pin connector... . all travel trailers and trucks are wired the same... . if your truck came with a trailer tow package... there should be a 7 pin female connector under the rear bumper just to the left of the licence plate.....



If you don't have this connector, you can get the wiring harness and connector from your dealer..... there will be a plug in the back of the truck that this harness and connector will plug into it.....



As an extra, some dealers will install an additional 7 pin female connector in the bed of the truck... . usually on the drivers side of the bed... . 18" back and about 6 or 7" up... I've done this with my truck... . Draw tite, Reese, camping world all stock the parts that allow you to plug and play so to speak once the hole is cut into the bed...



Hopefully whoever does this, uses the correct gauge of wire with proper circuit protection.....



Since this plug has the provision for back up lights, I've installed them on most of my trailers..... makes it really nice at night to back into the trailer space. .

 

[ProMac1K]

Thank you very much Jim! Looks like I have everything I need then, besides the controller, as I also had a socket in the bed that spliced into the wires going to the back, but I removed it when I removed the bedliner. Do you know if this can be self-tapped into the side of the bed somewhere? Is there a double-walled area?



Thanks

 

[klenger]

No Splice In-Bed 7-Pin Trailer Connector

 

[ProMac1K]

I've got a spliced in Pollak RV-style flat 7-pin that has bullet connectors inside the frame rail for easy removal. I now just have to make sure that the trailer has a 7-pin RV-style plug. The factory receptacle on the receiver hitch is a 6-pin round style. There probably are adapters to plug into the six pin, and go to the 7-pin RV style, as well. ???