Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club
June 19, 2025, 07:20:55 PM *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Ultimate Seats Link VRCC Store
Homepage : Photostash : JustPics : Shoptalk : Old Tech Archive : Classifieds : Contact Staff
News: If you're new to this message board, read THIS!
 
Inzane 17
Pages: [1]   Go Down
Send this topic Print
Author Topic: Camper/Trailer wiring  (Read 1277 times)
Mtn Valk
Member
*****
Posts: 108


North Ga.


« on: October 19, 2021, 06:31:02 AM »

Okay, so my newly acquired Camper Trailer has a 5- pin (round) connector plug on it. I believe the previous owner had a braking system, hence the 5 way plug.
My plan is to install/mount a Pollak 11-502 / 5-way connector socket on the bike, and on the trailer, install a replacement (new) Pollak 11-501 / 5-way plug.
1. Moving forward, if I don't have a braking system on my bike, can I still use this same 5 way connector plug, or should I replace it with a 4 way flat pin plug?
2. If I am able to keep the 5 way connector on the trailer, then I wouldn't need the converter, correct?
3. Then, all I need is to add the Hopkins Isolator 46365 (so if I want to upgrade to LED bulbs?

Just looking for some helpful direction. Thanks in advance!

Logged

J3
Jersey
Member
*****
Posts: 545


VRCC #37540

Southern Maryland


« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2021, 07:35:45 AM »

Okay, so my newly acquired Camper Trailer has a 5- pin (round) connector plug on it. I believe the previous owner had a braking system, hence the 5 way plug.
My plan is to install/mount a Pollak 11-502 / 5-way connector socket on the bike, and on the trailer, install a replacement (new) Pollak 11-501 / 5-way plug.
1. Moving forward, if I don't have a braking system on my bike, can I still use this same 5 way connector plug, or should I replace it with a 4 way flat pin plug?
2. If I am able to keep the 5 way connector on the trailer, then I wouldn't need the converter, correct?
3. Then, all I need is to add the Hopkins Isolator 46365 (so if I want to upgrade to LED bulbs?

Just looking for some helpful direction. Thanks in advance!



The Hopkins powered Isolator is a good choice.

If you ever intend to get a brake controller for the bike, may want to consider sticking with the PO's setup and mimic it as you're saying.  While adding the new Plug to the trailer, you can also wire in a 4-Pin Flat plug (with COVER) as well.  Then you won't need an adapter in the future.

I have that Hopkins Isolator and it works well.  Just added Electric Brakes to the trailer and decided to simply add an SAE DC Plug that wires just to the brakes.  Be sure to get the 10 AWG version!  Electric Brakes shouldn't really be run on anything less, although people do it. This allows me to plug into my SUV (4-way flat) or into the bike (4-way flat + 2-way for brakes).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088M9M6P4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As for Brake Controllers, I'm waiting on one from Redarc because it uses a remote dial with the 'box' mounted somewhere else.  I've been emailing with them. VERY helpful, plus the guy I was talking with owned a few bikes and fully understood the challenges.  https://redarcelectronics.com/collections/tow-pro-range

Just another way to look at it. 

Hope that helps!
Jersey
Logged

Jersey
WintrSol
Member
*****
Posts: leet


Florissant, MO


« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2021, 09:10:24 AM »

Just how heavy will that trailer be when packed? If over 1/2 the weight of the bike, you may wish you had brakes on it, especially in the mountains.
Logged

98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
Photo of my FIL Jack, in honor of his WWII service
MarkT
Member
*****
Posts: 5196


VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


WWW
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2021, 10:11:31 AM »

What I've seen, 4-pin flat connectors are used more than 5-pin rounds.  So if you buy more trailers - like a Tagalong, either the Northern Tool original or the HF ripoff, they come with 4-pin flat.  So does the HF flatbed trailer, The Timeout camper, and my enclosed Cargo Mate.

I added electric brakes to my Timeout camper.  It can get around 600# with all the camping gear I like to add.  Like A/C and cooking equip, toilet, lotsa lights incl 2 gas lanterns and several LED ones.  A really comfy self-inflating queen size bed mat.  All those toys aren't heavy individually but they add up.  Timeout sells the compatible electric brake kit.  Including the Tekonsha controller.

Some folks say put the controller on the trailer.  Like Jersey, I agree having the controller adjusters where you can reach them while riding makes adjustment much more convenient than where you have to stop, get off, make an adjustment then resume.  I mounted my Tekonsha on the handlebar under the Escort radar unit.  It's shielded from weather by the tipped windscreen.

However you wire for electric brakes, separate from 4-pin flat or within a 5-pin round, it can be treated independently from the light controls.  Wire the pin or not (5-pin round), add the extra 2 wires for the brakes or not (4-pin flat), as you need.

I set up the lighting with a 4-pin flat plug.  Wired the brake/turn conversion myself with 2 relays I have documented elsewhere on this forum and my tech tips page.  This is an easy mod to implement for anyone with a modicum of electrical skill like soldering, and it's easy to maintain as it uses standard inexpensive 5-pin auto relays available at all auto parts stores.  The diodes and resistors are not needed if you are powering 1157 type lights (2-filiment).  I added a separate 2-wire plug for the brakes.  This setup is compatible with the same 4-pin plug on my Tagalong, HF flatbed trailer,  Cargo Mate bike hauler and another flatbed bike hauler I made myself,  and 4runner and CX-5 so they are all compatible with each other.  The Mazda I wired a similar conversion with 2 relays that I used on Jade & Deerslayer.  The Toyota is already compatible with no mods.  In fact it supports a round connector as well - I don't use.  OK I'll attach the diagram describing that circuit as used on the bikes (except with 1157 sockets).  Modify the output side of it to support 1157 (2-wire) bulbs - that's even simpler, the circuit isn't involved with powering the running lights.  My bikes all use this circuit to provide run-brake-turn lights out of the rear markers, while I have installed 1157 sockets in back, and clear lenses with red LED array lights - 1157's are what all trailers (that I know of) have.  But the bike comes with 1156's so you can use this as designed if you want to, for RBT lights on the bike while providing the correct circuit for your trailers.



« Last Edit: October 20, 2021, 10:01:16 AM by MarkT » Logged


Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
Mtn Valk
Member
*****
Posts: 108


North Ga.


« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2021, 10:57:59 AM »

Just how heavy will that trailer be when packed? If over 1/2 the weight of the bike, you may wish you had brakes on it, especially in the mountains.
WintrSol,
The towing weight is 265lbs. I appreciate you mentioning this, as I would rather not have to watch what I carry with me (within reason)
Logged

J3
Mtn Valk
Member
*****
Posts: 108


North Ga.


« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2021, 11:14:35 AM »

[quote author=Jersey link=topic=119445
While adding the new Plug to the trailer, you can also wire in a 4-Pin Flat plug (with COVER) as well.  Then you won't need an adapter in the future.
[/quote]
Jersey
Please explain this to me. I thought the purpose of needing the adapter/converter was so that you could connect the 4-pin to the 5-pin.
(Just got confused when you said I wouldn't need an adapter if I wire in a 4-pin flat plug. Thanks!

Logged

J3
Jersey
Member
*****
Posts: 545


VRCC #37540

Southern Maryland


« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2021, 12:40:37 PM »

[quote author=Jersey link=topic=119445
While adding the new Plug to the trailer, you can also wire in a 4-Pin Flat plug (with COVER) as well.  Then you won't need an adapter in the future.
Jersey
Please explain this to me. I thought the purpose of needing the adapter/converter was so that you could connect the 4-pin to the 5-pin.
(Just got confused when you said I wouldn't need an adapter if I wire in a 4-pin flat plug. Thanks!


[/quote]

NP.  What I meant to say...  IF you decide to stay with the round 5-pin plug... while rewiring that plug just add a connect a 4-pi flat pigtail to the 5-pin plug while you're in there.  What you'll have left over is a single harness wire on the trailer with BOTH the 5-pin Round and the 4-pin flat  available for use.  My emphasis on the 4-pin flat having a cover is because it will be HOT when you plug in the 5-pin round plug.

Does that make sense?

Frankly, it might be easier to do the 4-pin flat for Lights and ANOTHER 2-pin for Brakes.  I think both MarkT and I are describing that approach.  (MarkT - correct?)

Jersey
Logged

Jersey
Mtn Valk
Member
*****
Posts: 108


North Ga.


« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2021, 02:24:51 PM »

Jersey,
I think it's beginning to "register", ha! My plan is to install a 5-way male (round) plug on the bike, and mate it with female 5-pin (round) plug on trailer. Will the 5-pin round plug suffice if adding trailer brakes?
Or, should I scrap the idea of the 5-pin round plug on the trailer, and use the 5 to 4 converter/adapter?
I do like the idea of adding a 4-pin flat plug to the harness on the trailer. That way I could haul the camper with my truck because it has a 4-pin flat plug.
Logged

J3
WintrSol
Member
*****
Posts: leet


Florissant, MO


« Reply #8 on: October 19, 2021, 08:17:26 PM »

Yes, 5 pins are enough to operate the brakes; the 5th pin carries the power from the brake controller into the trailer brakes. This is the way my trailer (with brakes) is wired; it weighs just over 700# fully packed, BTW.
Logged

98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
Photo of my FIL Jack, in honor of his WWII service
Mtn Valk
Member
*****
Posts: 108


North Ga.


« Reply #9 on: October 20, 2021, 08:11:43 AM »

My goodness, WintrSol! 700lbs packed! That's encouraging. That's called, "pack what you need". I appreciate the confirmation regarding the 5-way round plug. I've got the Hopkins 46365 converter on order, & will update upon install.
You can't put a price on the value of this board!
Logged

J3
Pages: [1]   Go Up
Send this topic Print
Jump to: