pin adapters question

Hey guys,

I already tried to search on google to see if this would work but came up with nothing. I am getting ready to move to FL from OH and will be towing my car behind my dads E350 van. He has a 4 pin adapter on his hitch though and I know most car trailers (the full size ones. I don't trust those dolly trailers) come with trailer brakes and have the 6 or 7 pin design. If I bought one of those 4 pin to 6 or 7 pin (depending on what the trailer has) adapters, would the trailer brakes still not work? I have a feeling they wont but I am just making sure. I might have to tow with my step dads tundra since it has the 6 pin hitch. I have towed plenty of trailers but never had one with trailer brakes so this is new to me

 

Why wouldnt they? If its all connected thru the plug, it should work regardless.

 

Doesn't really make sense how that would work. Maybe I am over thinking it but to me, the 4 pin i know does the lights on the trailer. I wasn't sure if have a 6 or 7 pin plugvs just the 4 pin like my dads van has had any special wiring to control how hard or soft the brakes on the trailer engage.

 

...

 

Give U-Haul a call and ask them

 

The tow vehicle needs to have a brake controller installed for the trailer brakes to function. The 4-pin connector has L/R signals, marker lights and ground. To get trailer brakes functioning, you need the controller plus a fifth wire to run the trailer brakes.

The sixth and seventh wires are for supplying power to the trailer and reverse lights.

The short answer is you cannot run electric trailer brakes with a 4-wire connector.

 

Thank you! just what I was looking for.

 

You're welcome.