Trailer Wiring Harness

Broccoli B · Posted: Mar 15, 2004 9:21 am Post subject: Trailer Wiring Harness

I have noticed on new boats (trailers) they come with a 5 prong wiring harness. i have a 4 prong harness on my 99 suburban.

What is the extra prong on the boat for?
Can i rewire my suburban with a 5 prong harness?
Anyone done this before?

The only thing i can think the extra prong would be for is back-up lights.
Any info is appreciated.

Question

jvanick · Posted: Mar 15, 2004 10:02 am Post subject:

The extra prong is for the backup lights to "lock out" the disc brakes. It's attached to a solenoid in the brake circuit, so that when you are backing up a trailer with disc brakes the brakes don't activate.

You can definately re-wire the suburban with a 5 prong harness, easiest way to do it just attach the 5th pin to your backup lights. Or get a reese kit for it. The nice thing about the reese kits are that they're all electronic, plug into your factory wiring, and they don't use relays which can burn out over time.

-J

eldiente · Newbie Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 30 City: Idaho

I was wondering the same thing, thanks. By the way what is a reese kit, how does it work and where do I find it. Do you keep the stack 4 pin harness or replace it. thanks

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

mkae an adapter. I'll take pics tomorrow.