Trailer light converters

[regis101]

Hello. I browsed around a bit. Used sdtripper2's plethora of information thread. Didn't quite get an answer unless I missed it

My application calls for a 5 wire to the trailers 4 wire. I went here and searched around

http://www.reese-hitches.com/categories ... e=1&per=50

I seem to like the converters with the higher amperage rating since I'm using incandescents AND it uses a separate battery source so as not to tax the vehicles system. The first one that caught my eye is about 10 down the list for 23.95

The question is whether or not these are any good. I may be better off adding two extra turn signal lights and the associated wiring. This would not interfere with the trailers wiring when used by a another tow car.

My intent of this thread is about the convertors with a side thought about adding extra turn sig's. instead. Any thoughts.

Thanks,

[Cave Man]

What Vehicle are you using? I work for U Haul and at most of our centers you can find a person there that can help to assure that you have the correct unit. I will try and help you as best I can.

[regis101]

The tow vehicle is gonna be our 78 VW Bus/Camper until it or I die. It uses the European 5 wire design. I have schematics for its wiring and have checked the tail light housings. Separate brake and turn sig wiring.

Using a 5 wire to 4 wire converter is fine as long as they last. In my application, the VW Bus has separate fuses for each light so I'm protected there. I thought about using LED's on the trailer for less amperage draw on the T/C but it's still more money. Adding separate turn signals to the trailer is fine. I'd get amber motorcycle style or similar. The amber will match the Bus' signal lens. But it's still more money.

Not too worried about the money as long as I cover all the bases in the best way. In the end it might be owners choice.

Another check for the converter is that I'd then be able to tow any other
4 wire trailer up to the vehicles tow capacity of course.

To add a bit of info, I started with the notion of towing a trailer to haul all the camping stuff. Thought a light 4 x 4 from HF was the ticket. It then grew into a 4 x 6 so as to haul the bikes. From there it grew into a 4 x 8 so I'm gonna build a cargo tear. This is about as big of a trailer I'd want behind a VW Bus.

Thanks for the reply

[Cave Man]

Part # 13486 is the converter that I use on my 67 Bug. No problems. They are about 15 bucks at your local U-Haul Center. You can find the closest one by looking on uhaul.com and selecting hitches. They come with all connectors and are easy to install. They will work with regular lights and do not need LEDs. If I can help let me know.

[Cave Man]

Oh and its cool that you are towing with a VW camper(westie?).

[regis101]

I'm trying to keep GTW at 1k. Throwing the dog on top of all that may put it at 1070

This is gonna be a cheapie lightweight yet strong build. It will get painted with a green that closely matches the 78's kermit green and have a white top to match the campers pop top. The 5 lug hubs will allow me improvise with VW wheels. More on that later.

Thanks for the help.

[regis101]

I found the 13486 on the U-haul site. Cool.
They also carry the 13493 that uses a separate battery source for ~40.

Do you notice anything different with the Bug's turn sig's when the trailer is hooked up? Like, slower flashing or not as bright, or...

[Uncle Chan]

Cave Man,

I've a 7 round (with flat blades) on my TD and want to tow it, at some point, with my PT Cruiser that has 4 flat. What would recommend?

U.C.

[bobhenry]

I have 2 trailers that are set up with a 7 way round AND a 4 way flat trailer hookup. Just added a weatherproof box on the tongue for a junction box and hooked all up inside it. There are also 7 way round to 4 way flat adapters. You will find over time you will have far less headaches with the 7 way round hookups. I do not know why unless it is just the fact there is so much more contact area.

[Cave Man]

I found the 13486 on the U-haul site. Cool.
They also carry the 13493 that uses a separate battery source for ~40.

Do you notice anything different with the Bug's turn sig's when the trailer is hooked up? Like, slower flashing or not as bright, or...

No change in speed or brightness. The ones with the extra power wire are for some of the later model cars that have the computer that detects load and turnd on warning lights that there is a problem. The Bus you have should not notice the load. It will not hurt anything to run the 13493 but its more than you will need for nornal lighting.

[Cave Man]

Cave Man,

I've a 7 round (with flat blades) on my TD and want to tow it, at some point, with my PT Cruiser that has 4 flat. What would recommend?

U.C.

The 7 round allows for Brakes, Charging system, Aux Power, and some times back up lights. These are not supported with the 4 flat. All the 4 flat will do is the basic lights. So if your TD has any of these extras it would be best to have the car wired for these features and not just use an adapter.

And bobhenry is correct that the 7 round setup will give less trouble.

[bobhenry]

AFM HUH ?

I was a center manager 2 1/2 years. Nothing like the U Haul experience to educate you on lighting problems huh ?

[Cave Man]

AFM HUH ?

I was a center manager 2 1/2 years. Nothing like the U Haul experience to educate you on lighting problems huh ?

Look who I found for you ! Need a new avatar

"Where Will U Go next?" Looked for Sammy U but didnt think it would be too funny out at the towers to some of them. Yep did the GM thing for the first 8 months and then got lucky and out on the road. Love what I do because no 2 days are the same. We are now in a push to convert all the old trailers to the 4 flat and get rid of the ground coming in from the ball mount. You ought to see how some of the folks out there try to do that .

[regis101]

I was at U-Haul today. It's a pretty good one-stop-shopping place for trailer stuff. Should have thought about it before.

I picked up the 13486, a bracket for the 4 prong plug, a 2" receiver hitch plug, the 4 prong plug cover, and a Fulton 800# trailer swivel jack.

Thanks for the tips on U-haul.

[regis101]

Kudos to you, Cave Man.

Just got done with the 13486 wiring. It was easy since I have the Bentley for my Bus. Has a color schematic of the wiring harness. Wrote down the color key on some paper and stuck my head in the engine bay and all was well.

The lights all tested out 100% on the first try. I didn't notice the TS's any slower or faster so it's all good. I did see flashers at the U-Haul store, If I should ever need a replacement.

I need to do some work on the hitch to bring it up to a decent tongue weight.
There is a guy in canada who makes them for the Bay Window Bus. I'll probably go that route. Until then, I'll jimmy something up with tubing or strut and L-brackets, blah, blah. I'm all over it.

Thanks again,