Mike4571

I just purchased a year old 3600# trailer with the 4-prong adapter. My 2011 F150 with the towing package doesnt recognize this trailer when I hook it up. The lights work, but no brakes. Dash lights indicate that no trailer is hooked up. Evenything works fine on the 7-prong dump trailor adapter. This is the first time Ive used the 4-prong. Any suggestions?

Steve Osborne

4 pin plug will only work the lights and is not connected with the trucks brake controller...
same with the 7 pin to a 4 pin adapter. the brake controller is not used..

Mike4571

Thanks, so with hydraulic trailer brakes, the brake controller does nothing? Is the 4 pin adapter tied in with the rear backup sensors? The back up sensors are always sounding when I back this trailor up...not the case with the 7 pin.

Steve Osborne

i know with my 13, the sensors always beep, cause the trailer is right there..i have to shut it off. and they work with both 4 and 7 pin..

not sure how or why yours only works with the 4 pin..

and yes with hydraulic the tbc doesnt work...however the revese pin in the 7 pin may or may not lock out the hydraulics when backing up..to keep the trailer brakes from working. acting on the surge brakes.


got me thinking, lol...just went and checked as i was still backed up to my car hauler..the sensors shut off with the 7 pin connected..worked on the brakes/wiring the other day, was so use to the beeper i didnt notice they shut off now..so they must be linked with the 7 pin/tbc and turn off.

wjjbtophand

i have a 2005 f150 it came with the tow package it had a gray plug hanging down on the rhand side of steering columb i bought an adapter to go from that plug to the brake controler there is a blue wire that runs to aconnector by the spare tire the connector has two small blue plugs to plug in to to extend the wires to 7 pin connector flat 4 plugs are not for electrict brakes wire is to small i have not been able buy the male plug that fits the connector for dealer is no help i will keep looking does any one know where to get one? hope this helps wjjbtophand