trailer electrical connection

[tartosuc]

its probably been discussed but my search did not show me a good response.

what is the connector system on the older eggs from the 70's or 80's?

i'm thinking if i want to buy one i might need an adapter to fit to my 4 pins connector on my Van? would be better to have it handy !

thanks

[Thomas G.]

For trailers without brakes, the flat four is probably the most common. If I was shopping for a trailer I'd pick up a set of tow lights, as there is a good chance the lights won't work properly anyway.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt...kit-69626.html

[Bob Miller]

I vote for the magnetic Tow Light set too. This week they are still on sale at Harbor Freight for $10. Here's a few reasons, in probable order (?)

1. The trailers lights don't work anyway either due to lights being burned out or defective wires, but the seller will blame your TV's connections.

2. A previous owner invented their own connection pattern and, as soon as you plug in a matching connector, it will blow fuses on your TV or the lights will be all wrong

3. A previous owner changed it from a 4 pin to a 8 (?) pin cannon connector because that's what they had on hand.

4. No matter what adapter combinations you have, they will all be the wrong ones.

In short, the magnetic tow lights, a handfull of long wire ties, and a 4 pin connector at your end will get you home every time.

3. If you have

[tartosuc]

thanks for the replies,
i've ordered a magnetic kit.

[GMike A]

Watch out with those lights. . I was towing on typical Texas roads and one of them popped off and was dragged to its untimely death. For my second set of HF lights I went to the welding section and bought some of the triangular magnets which really stuck to the bumper and then the weaker tow light magnets stuck to the triangles. That is probably one of many solutions.

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by GMike A

Watch out with those lights. . I was towing on typical Texas roads and one of them popped off and was dragged to its untimely death. For my second set of HF lights I went to the welding section and bought some of the triangular magnets which really stuck to the bumper and then the weaker tow light magnets stuck to the triangles. That is probably one of many solutions.

Right, if you read the reviews, they universally say that the magnets are too weak. I'd take some big plastic ties with me and secure them with those. I's also make sure the tow light set worked before I left.

[tartosuc]

Ill bring zip ties

[Perry J]

How about some duct tape to attach the wire to the side of the trailer on the way home?
John

[tartosuc]

Originally Posted by Perry J

How about some duct tape to attach the wire to the side of the trailer on the way home?
John

My van is alway full of tools duck tape, zip ties bugees ...i'm not worried about that part

[Donna D.]

My 1988 trailer, before I bought it, had a different connection than after I hitched it up to tow it home.

With any trailer that's 30-40 years old, I'm not sure there is an absolute anything you can count on.

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by tartosuc

My van is alway full of tools duck tape, zip ties bugees ...i'm not worried about that part

That duck tape is the best.

[tartosuc]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

That duck tape is the best.

Lol

Working in the show business industry, i have unlimited access to duct tape(we call it gaffer tape)

[Glenn Baglo]

Ah, but gaffer tape is not Duck tape ( or duct tape, for that matter ). Gaffer tape costs at least four times as much and doesn't leave sticky residue, or peel paint off the surface when removed. I have a couple rolls from when I worked as a photographer.
Doesn't stick when wet or to wet surfaces.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Perry J

How about some duct tape to attach the wire to the side of the trailer on the way home?

Preferably gaffer's tape, which is similar but designed to remove cleanly.

[Casita Greg]

Agreed, duct tape is NOT gaffers tape. I too am a photographer, and I do keep gaffers tape handy, but it is not the same thing as duct tape.

[tartosuc]

Originally Posted by Casita Greg

Agreed, duct tape is NOT gaffers tape. I too am a photographer, and I do keep gaffers tape handy, but it is not the same thing as duct tape.

I know
I have both kinds plus another few types at the shop

This thread as turned out to be a tape thread lol

Did you know that theres a duck tape festival?
Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by tartosuc

.........
This thread as turned out to be a tape thread lol..........

When I searched for the duck tape picture on Google Images, I came across a number of duct tape bikinis . Had to check them out.

[RRJR]

Tom remember pictures, pictures, pictures!!

[rabbit]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

My 1988 trailer, before I bought it, had a different connection than after I hitched it up to tow it home.

Are you saying that prior to sale, you had an expectation of compatibility with your tv connector but someone (owner, gremlins, repair facility) queered the pitch by changing to another type of trailer connector or changed internal connections in the connector unbeknownst to you? Things that happen unbeknownst to one can wreak havoc upon one's equanimity. I know!

jack

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by rabbit

Are you saying that prior to sale, you had an expectation of compatibility with your tv connector but someone (owner, gremlins, repair facility) queered the pitch by changing to another type of trailer connector or changed internal connections in the connector unbeknownst to you? Things that happen unbeknownst to one can wreak havoc upon one's equanimity. I know!

jack

Nope, not really saying that Jack. I CHANGED IT There wasn't any compatibility from original to my needs. My point to the OP, is you can't count on anything on older trailers. IF the time comes for me to sell my 25 year old Scamp, I'd hate anyone to assume the original connections to the tug are still there, or at least the same.