Wiring for 7-way, brake controller, Seattle area

[Bobbie Mayer]

I have a friend who may help me with wiring but I understand it isn't all that simple and would also like to price it out at "local" shops. I got a quote at Mann's in Bellevue for converting the 4-way to 7-way and adding the brake controller, but they need it for four hours and if possible I'd rather go somewhere where I had something to do for the four hours. So questions-

a) trustworthy shops for wiring in the Puget Sound area (I'm on Whidbey)
b) how hard is it to do? My friend knows what he is doing but at best we'd have the car up on those little ramps. My regular mechanic suggested it could take a long time and I'd rather get someone who does this kind of thing a lot.
c) what about Camping world or Uhaul?

[Dave Fish]

I recommend Roy Robinson RV Service. We have done a lot of RV business with both sales and service and trust them to do it right for a fair price.

On Whidbey, Main Street Collision can do it. They installed the hitch and wiring on our CRV. Again, high quality work for a reasonable price.

I think the effort is going to depend a lot on the vehicle and current equipment. When I put the controller in the Ridgeline, it already had the 4 and 7 pin connectors (factory tow package) and the install was basically plug and play.

1970 Trails West Campster
2008 Honda Ridgeline

[Bobbie Mayer]

The Forester has 4 way installed (that was prewired) but not 7 way so they have to run the wires up to the front for that. Thanks, I'll check those.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Bobbie Mayer

The Forester has 4 way installed (that was prewired) but not 7 way so they have to run the wires up to the front for that. Thanks, I'll check those.

In addition to having to run the brake wire from front to back they will also need to add a charge line.

[Dave Fish]

Originally Posted by Bobbie Mayer

The Forester has 4 way installed (that was prewired) but not 7 way so they have to run the wires up to the front for that. Thanks, I'll check those.

Roy Robinson would be ideal for a Forester since they are a Subaru dealer as well as an RV dealer.

1970 Trails West Campster
2008 Honda Ridgeline

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Carol H

In addition to having to run the brake wire from front to back they will also need to add a charge line.

Why?

Maybe he does not need a charge line, nor want to pay extra for it.

I get along fine with not charge line. What is different here?

[Glenn Baglo]

Why would you not add the charge line at the same time? It's the cost of some wire.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Why would you not add the charge line at the same time? It's the cost of some wire.

Because "It's the cost of some wire," plus the cost of labor, plus maybe you don't need it, plus maybe your alternator can't handle the added load, etc.

I have never had one and never missed it. Just pointing out that it is a viable option to not have one.. it is not a requirement.

[Dave Fish]

Originally Posted by gordon2

Why?

Maybe he does not need a charge line, nor want to pay extra for it.

I get along fine with not charge line. What is different here?

The charge line keeps the trailer battery charged while underway and recharges it if it's down on departure. Great if you are running the fridge on 12v or have dry camped.

I agree that any extra cost of running a charge c wire should be minimal.

1970 Trails West Campster
2008 Honda Ridgeline

[Bobbie Mayer]

I stated "7-way" which implies charge line, and I do want that, too. Though I do have a question- there is an Auxilliary line in a 7-way. What would one use that for? Backup lights? Something else?

Roy Robinson is a possibility as I could look around at other future tow vehicles (not Subarus!) at the same time. I gather they are next to the dealership? The only problem I have is that in my experience dealerships don't get things done in a timely manner and I want to take it and wait for it if done on the mainland.

Mann's in Shoreline, I could go next door to Carter Subaru and car shop, too. I know they get things done on time as they did my hitch and initial wiring, so maybe I'll check there.

[Dave Fish]

The various Roy Robinson facilities are clustered next to the freeway. Sometimes you do need to schedule a ways out.

The seventh wire is for backup lights as you guessed.

Their new car lines are Chevrolet and Subaru but they have a good used car selection. That's where we bought our CRV.

1970 Trails West Campster
2008 Honda Ridgeline

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Bobbie Mayer

I stated "7-way" which implies charge line, and I do want that, too. Though I do have a question- there is an Auxilliary line in a 7-way. What would one use that for? Backup lights? Something else? ...

From e-Trailer:

Expert Reply:
The center pin on the 7 way connector can be used for many different purposes, although it is typically used to carry the signal from the reverse lights on the vehicle to the trailer. If the trailer does not have reverse lights or a reverse lockout for hydraulic surge activated trailer brakes, this pin can be used for any purpose such as providing an additional 12 volt circuit for any accessories on the trailer.

But sometimes the wiring is a lesser gauge you might want to make sure it is sufficient for your purpose. Heck, you could even use it for a back-up camera.. its up to you but any deviation from the standard might make your trailer or tug incompatible with others.

BTW, back-up lights on the trailer is also something that I never used.

BTW #2, if you do get a charge line, its best to have it only "on" when the tug's motor is running. And that relay adds a little cost. If the charge line stays hot when the tug is off, that can drain your tug's battery down under the right conditions (i.e. the fridge running on 12 volts).

[Bobbie Mayer]

Originally Posted by gordon2

BTW #2, if you do get a charge line, its best to have it only "on" when the tug's motor is running. And that relay adds a little cost. If the charge line stays hot when the tug is off, that can drain your tug's battery down under the right conditions (i.e. the fridge running on 12 volts).

Good to know, thanks!

[Dave Fish]

Originally Posted by gordon2

BTW #2, if you do get a charge line, its best to have it only "on" when the tug's motor is running. And that relay adds a little cost. If the charge line stays hot when the tug is off, that can drain your tug's battery down under the right conditions (i.e. the fridge running on 12 volts).

Or if you forget to unhook the umbilical cord over night.

Sent from my LG-V495 using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Dave Fish

Or if you forget to unhook the umbilical cord over night.

Sent from my LG-V495 using Fiberglass RV mobile app

But, you only do that once.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Dave Fish

Or if you forget to unhook the umbilical cord over night.

Yes, thanks.. sometimes I forget to mention the obvious.

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

But, you only do that once.

Or not even once, if you don't have the charge line to start with.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by gordon2

Or not even once, if you don't have the charge line to start with.

Get rid of the trailer entirely and you'll have no problems or expense.

[Bobbie Mayer]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Get rid of the trailer entirely and you'll have no problems or expense.

Yes, but then I'd need a therapist.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by gordon2

Why?

Maybe he does not need a charge line, nor want to pay extra for it.

I get along fine with not charge line. What is different here?

Maybe, Maybe she doesn't.

Whats the difference?

If you never camp without power then you can probable get away without a charge line just fine. Or if you never run your fridge on DC when towing you could again can get a way without a charge line just fine.

But if your like me and camp without out power frequently its good to arrive at camp with a fully charge battery so your probable going to get a charge line added so the battery gets charged up as you move from camping area to camping area. Yes I have solar but it can to be counted on a great deal due to heavy tree coverage and wet weather here on the coast.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Bobbie Mayer

I stated "7-way" which implies charge line, and I do want that, too. Though I do have a question- there is an Auxilliary line in a 7-way. What would one use that for? Backup lights? Something else?

.

Not sure how your trailer is wired but the seven pin wiring connector on the Scamp goes like this:

Green (TM) - Tail Lights and Marker Lights
Red (LT)- Left Turn and Brake Light
Brown (RT) – Right turn and Brake Light
Black (S) – Interior 12 volt lights and Accessories
White (GD) – Ground
Yellow (A) – Brake Lights (Foreign Stop) or Backup Lights
Blue ( ) – Electric Brakes