recommended hitch wiring connector?

ehall

NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Southern Maryland

• Apr 16, 2008

• #1

Just got a Hidden Hitch to replace the old smashed stock unit and I need to know what type of hitch wiring connector I should get (four-pole, seven-pole round, what?). I only plan to tow a box trailer periodically, but may drag a flat-bed trailer with a car on it. I would like to get this right the first time, so what's the best most flexible connector. I'd like to get one that is pre-made for my '91 wiring hookup, but I don't mind splicing if necessary.

Thanks

 

B

beaudrya

NAXJA Forum User

Location

va

• Apr 16, 2008

• #2

a company called "hoppy" sells a 7pole plug with a 4 pin connector built in. that would bring you the best of both worlds. check any truck accessory shop for one. i dont know if it will be a direct plug into your xj but i believe hoppy also makes a seperate plug in wiring kit for that. my 95 has a 4pin and its just spliced in.

 

rockhounds4x4

NAXJA Forum User

Location

bailey, co

• Apr 17, 2008

• #3

Tlak to your any trailer dealer, they have access to anything that might be an easier install

 

Z

zluster

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Colorado Baby!

• Apr 17, 2008

• #4

7 pin, much more options for future use, and you can always get a 7pin to 4 pin adapter, not the other way around.
7 pin for the win

 

Muad'Dib

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Bend, Oregon

• Apr 17, 2008

• #5

Do people actually tow things that take a 7 pin with an XJ? Everything i have ever towed takes a 4...

 

90Blue_XJ

NAXJA Forum User

Location

In yer postz fixin yer spellinz.

• Apr 17, 2008

• #6

4 pin allows you brake lights, turn signals and tail lights. Use the larger ones only if you plan on backup lights on your trailer. XJs should never tow something with electric brakes which the 7 pin connector was built for. Too much weight for a unibody IMHO.

 

ehall

NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Southern Maryland

• Apr 17, 2008

• #7

The factory hitch had six or seven (it was smashed up and I didn't look close).

http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_to_central/automotive/1272556.html is kind of helpful here.

 

90Blue_XJ

NAXJA Forum User

Location

In yer postz fixin yer spellinz.

• Apr 17, 2008

• #8

Some ground through the plug and others ground through the ball. Don't know if that was what the extra ones were for.

 

ehall

NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Southern Maryland

• Apr 17, 2008

• #9

I found the wiring diagram for my XJ factory hitch and it is seven-pin with a ground in the center pole.

The extra poles are used for things like 12v accessory power (if your trailer has a worklight for example), backup lights, brake signal

 

ehall

NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Southern Maryland

• Apr 17, 2008

• #10

See now this is cool

4- and 7-way in a single outlet

 

B

broqenjeep

NAXJA Forum User

Location

colorado

• Apr 17, 2008

• #11

I put the 7 pin on mine for my pop-up camper with electric brakes. installed a brake controller allso. NAPA part #071-4384-085 for the connnector. The auxiary is power to the trailer batery to keep it charged.