Standard tv plugs?
 

I noticed while "kicking tires" that on various model campers and trailers there is a vast number of tow vehicle couplings or plugs. What is the standard Hi Lo connector? Or is there one type. I've seen 7 pin, 7 blade and an assortment of others. If there is a standard, I suspect that there should a designated wire color position. I thought the Blue Brake terminal was center, but now I see that the owner or wiring tech can do it anyway they wish(so long they match). Several on line schematics are all different. ???

I can't speak for everyone, but my 2005 Ford's socket matches my HiLo plug in terms of function at each blade. And, it's a blade type connector.

The brake pin on the Ford socket is at the 4:30 position. The turn signal pins in the Ford socket are at 3:00 (right) and 9:00 (left). Tail and running lights are at 10:30. The battery 12V+ pin is at 1:30 and the ground pin is at 7:30. The center pin is an "aux" or backup light pin and is not connected to anything in my trailer.

They match either of the two 7-blade flat pin round connectors shown in this link: Trailer Wiring Diagrams | etrailer.com

This is NOT the 7-pin round pin connector style that is shown at the bottom.

Note the link says to ignore wire color and to match function.

- Jack

Here is a good picture of the 7-pin connector at the tow vehicle and the camper.


Attachment 4026

Jeff

The 7 blade plug is what is used by Hilo. That's pretty much the standard other than the four flat that is used on utility and boat trailers without brakes.

The diagram on the on Jeff H post should be correct.

standard plugs
 

Thanks all! I pretty much figured it was match function. Good answer for me. I'll wire the TV connector and if needed change any wire required to match existing connector when I pick up unit. Again thanks all. Tree.

standard plugs
 

OOPS!! one more question: diameter? pretty much universal? making sure about detent must be important.

If you're talking about the diameter of the plug, the 7-point "blade" connector diameter IS universal. My trailer brake controller came with one that I didn't need, since there was one already mounted on the truck.

If you're talking about wiring, I'd use a minimum of 10 gauge in the +12 V and Gnd positions, and, I think I'd use 10 ga for the brakes too. I'd think 16 ga should be adequate for the rest.

The plug I mentioned that I didn't use was prewired with 10 ga at the 12 V, and Gnd points.

- Jack

statdard plugs
 

Thanks, Rich and Jack. Just making sure.

My Jeep has a factory tow package and the trailer plug wiring did not match the factory TV plug layout. I had to re wire the trailer plug to match my vehicle. The plug did work on the truck belonging to the person I purchased it from. Don't know why the Jeep was different but the flip up socket cover has the layout on it for the socket so I know it was the way it was wired at the factory. If the trailer and TV plugs are different, it is much easier to rewire the trailer plug than the TV plug.