Picking up new trailer - What do I need

[Jcon]

I just bought a new (to me) open traler to drag my SC from track to track. Anyway My SUV came with the towing package so it has the appropriate hitch.

It also has the "socket" installed next to the hitch for all the electricals...Lights, brakes etc.

Heres the question. Is the male portion of that connection on the trailer side a standard item or do you need a different one depending on what type of SUV/Truck you have. If so where do you buy them?

Thanks

Jeff

[lally911]

I believe the round connector is a standard seven pin arrangment so if the trailer is so equipped it should work with your rig. Does the trailer have the round connector or the old straight 4 pin connector? If it has the older 4 pin you can get or make a short extension to convert from one to the other with parts from most any marine store.

[tdatk]

If the socket came with the SUV factory,it should be 4 pin and it should work with the trailer if that is new.
If the trailer has eletric brakes, that would use the round seven pin and most SUVs do not come factory with that arrangement. If the trailer is used all bets are off as the PO may have wired to suit the tow vehicle. In any case do a walk around checking parking lights, brake and turn on every trip. As lally said ,go to any RV marine store to get what you need.

Tim

[Dantilla]

Lots of adapters available at good auto parts stores, or any U-Haul location.

[Bailey]

I went through this back in the spring when I bought a used open trailer. Check what size ball you need for the trailer. I had to buy a new one as the standard one that came with the SUV tow package was too small. Also, check the height of the trailer tongue relative to your hitch. I had to get a new ball with a drop of several inches to align the two. I went to a local trailer store with all the details on the trailer and they set me up before I drove to pick it up. Good luck.

[cstreit]

Make sure you have a brake controller box. A lot of times the towing "packages" don't include this unit which is needed to apply power to electric brakes.

[Bailey]

Good point Chris, I totally forgot I had that installed too. I got a Prodigy unit which many people comment on being one of the best. Can feel the brakes grab, helping slow the trailer. I am a newbie to trailering and the controller makes it feel very comfortable.

[crashmy911]

Yeah make sure the ball size is the right one you don't want that trailler passing you as you go down the highway. You should be able to make it work what ever you have unless it has brakes then you might want to let a trailler place set everything up for you. I have a landscaping buisness and use trailers all the time. Just take your time and make sure everythng is hooker up right!

[Jcon]

Thanks Guys

Looks like I have everything I need except the brake controller. There are several places that sell them on -line with the connection harness all set up so theres no splicing. Once installed is there any adjustment necessary for electric brakes or is it just plug and play??

Jeff

[emcon5]

Originally posted by Jcon
Thanks Guys

Looks like I have everything I need except the brake controller. There are several places that sell them on -line with the connection harness all set up so theres no splicing. Once installed is there any adjustment necessary for electric brakes or is it just plug and play??

Jeff

Wal Mart carries them as well, with a good selection of adapters.

Tom

[Grady Clay]

Here is part on my reply to an e-mail request for my paper. Much of this and more is covered in the paper. I like to address simple situations like this because each answer is a slightly different approach t the same issue.

Trailer set-up summary:

I was just sitting here thinking about the improved structure for the chapter on trailer set-up. (Inspired by today's trailer thread on Pelican.)
Sizing, Hitches, Wiring, Brakes, Balance.

Sizing,
Everything from the size of the trailer, its load capacity, frame, axles, tongue, hitch, frame attachment, tow vehicle size, weight and wheelbase, etc. all need to be appropriate to each other. Yes, some components (hitch, axles, tow truck) can be heavier duty safely. Other parts of the system cannot (increased trailer weight/size).

Hitches,
There is a reason why hitches come in different sizes; an attempt to prevent you from towing something too large/heavy. You won't find a 2 3/16" ball on a 1" square hitch receptacle just as you won't find a HD 2" square hitch receptacle on a lightweight SUV.

The safety chains should be very substantial and cross under the entire hitch assembly from trailer frame aft of the hitch to tow vehicle forward of the hitch.

Wiring,
While there are now some industry standards for trailer connections, I wouldn't attach an unknown (new to me) trailer to my tow vehicle without confirming all the pin functions on both connectors. There is too much chance for a mischief mismatch and resultant damage.

Brakes,
The type and size of brakes (including controller) is very important. The brakes should be progressive and not grab. You should be able to additionally operate the trailer brakes independently from the tow vehicle. You should be able to set them for very little function when towing an empty trailer. Of course there should be all the safety brake-away features.

Balance.
The trailer and tow vehicle should sit lever when loaded. There should be substantial tongue weight (2-500# depending on size). I am a proponent of "equalizer hitches" that distribute more load to the tow vehicle front axle. Most hitches will need an adjustable height hitch for set-up and then you want a welded assembly for use. Take your loaded complete tow rig to a public scales and weigh each axle. Measure the alignment and tracking when loaded.

I need to do some more research on this very important subject.

Towing is a big deal and should be taken very seriously.

Best,
Grady
gradyclay@hotmail.com