What is with this weird towing harness???
#1
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
What is with this weird towing harness???
Just got my JK the other day with factory tow package - what's with the weird little 4-pin electrical harness???? It is way too small and wimpy, to say nothing of the fact that it does not remotely match a standard round trailer connector plug. Even if I found some kind of adapter, this little thing would just break right off. What am I supposed to do about this?
Last edited by briandunning; 04-14-2007 at 09:13 AM.
#2
Actually that little 4 pin plug is more of the standard than the round one. I think the round one only uses four pins anyway unless you were pulling a large trailer that has electric brakes then you would have like 6 pins in action.
#3
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Yes, I am pulling a trailer with electric brakes. Any idea what I can do? I guess I'm also up s**t creek for connecting an electronic brake controller.
Last edited by briandunning; 04-14-2007 at 09:22 AM.
#5
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Dec 2006
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You need to install a brake controller and a mating round connector on the jeep.
The flat 4 connector is only good for small trailers with lights only and no brakes.
The flat 4 connector is only good for small trailers with lights only and no brakes.
#6
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Does the vehicle have wiring to go from the brake controller up front to the harness in back, or am I going to need to run new wires for the electric brakes?
#7
JK Super Freak
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A four-pin to seven-pin adaptor is available from any decent RV store. My rig has a four pin that I use when towing my boat or motorcycle trailer. I also have the adaptor for use when towing my camper.
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#9
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
I'm curious about that too, but I can't see the adapter working for me in any case. I tow offroad on wild trails (it's a Jeep!!!) often over some pretty gnarly angles and often put a ton of stress on the power cable. Even with the way the 7-pin connector locks I still pop it off sometimes. At a glance I can tell you that the 4-pin plug on the JK is totally inadequate for real trail stress.
#10
JK Enthusiast
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You need the mating connetor that goes with the trailer. A flat four will not work with the brake controller. Yes you need to run wires from the controller to the connector.