7 Pin Towing connection

[Danarch]

We are in the process of getting a pop-up trailer. My LJR has a 7-pin connector. I found the below from the service manual. The way I understand it is all the required connections are existing in the Jeep. I know the brakes, turn signals, and backup lights work as I have an adapter to go to 4 pin to tow a utility trailer which is completely functional. I want to test that the battery and electric brake is functional.

1. I assume the battery post is always hot? Or is it only hot with the ignition on?
2. I assume the electric brake post gets signal when the brake pedal is pushed. So if I hook up a test light it would come on when the pedal is pushed. If not that would mean I need to connect to the one of the wires to the brake lights? Or is there somewhere else it should connect to?

 

[LJGreg]

I don’t believe TJ’s ever came with brake controllers so your electric brake wire is likely not hooked up to anything. You would need to install your own controller to get it working.

 

[B1Toad]

We are in the process of getting a pop-up trailer. My LJR has a 7-pin connector. I found the below from the service manual. The way I understand it is all the required connections are existing in the Jeep. I know the brakes, turn signals, and backup lights work as I have an adapter to go to 4 pin to tow a utility trailer which is completely functional. I want to test that the battery and electric brake is functional.

1. I assume the battery post is always hot? Or is it only hot with the ignition on? Depends lol. On some vehicles it is always hot and on some it's only with the key on. I like the latter better because when it's always hot you have to remember to unplug the trailer overnight if you're staying hooked up. But seems the majority of the time it's always hot.
2. I assume the electric brake post gets signal when the brake pedal is pushed. So if I hook up a test light it would come on when the pedal is pushed. If not that would mean I need to connect to the one of the wires to the brake lights? Or is there somewhere else it should connect to? Only if there is a brake controller in the LJ. If not, you buy one along with the connector harness for your vehicle. It's a 4 pin harness and they make them for just about every vehicle.

Replies in blue

 

[B1Toad]

Actually there may not be a connector in a TJ/LJ for a brake controller harness to plug into so you'll likely need to use a universal one and wire it in under the dash unless whoever installed the 7 pin plug already did. There are also some wireless options.

Of course if yours came from the factory with the 7 pin it's probably already there.

 

[JMT]

I don’t think a 7-pin was ever a stock option, but I also know I could be wrong. I’ve never seen one and I’ve entertained the data for adding one.

 

[Danarch]

Thank you everyone. I am getting a Bluetooth brake controller that plugs into the 7-pin. I am not sure exactly how it works haven’t ordered it yet. My understanding is that it controls the brakes. I wonder if it gets the signal from the brake light port?

 

[LJGreg]

Those type have an accelerometer built in to detect when the vehicle is braking and then applies appropriate brake to the trailer. It doesn't require any brake signal from the vehicle.

 

[Danarch]

Those type have an accelerometer built in to detect when the vehicle is braking and then applies appropriate brake to the trailer. It doesn't require any brake signal from the vehicle.

Well that is interesting.