Trailer connector explained

Trailer connector should not be confused with Tow hitch.

A trailer connector is a multi-pole electrical connector between a towing vehicle (car, truck) and a trailer. It is intended primarily to supply automotive lighting on the trailer, but also provide management and supply to other loads. It is also referred to as "trailer wire," "trailer cable," or "trailer connecting cable."^[1] The connector offers feedback from the trailer to the towing vehicle, ranging from a fault indication for ABS brakes to advanced command, monitor and control using CAN bus for EBS brakes. ISO standards are available for trailer connectors.

Variants

Note that the wire cross-section in mm² and AWG listed is the minimum recommended area.

• For ISO connectors the primary unit is in mm² and AWG has been obtained from a conversion table.
• For North American connectors primary unit is AWG and mm² has been obtained from a conversion table.

In both cases the figures are rounded up for cable area.

Variants standardized in particular regions:

• Trailer connectors in Europe
• Trailer connectors in North America
• Trailer connectors in Australia
• Trailer connectors in military organizations

References

1. Web site: Trailer Cable. Maney Wire & Cable.

External links

• Trailer Connectors and Wiring Diagrams