Question about 7pin vs 4 pin trailer connector

[bleudyno]

So, I've been looking for a 2nd Gen Lexus LX470 for use as a tow rig for my 2020 AR190. The stock Shorelandr trailer that came with my boat has a 7pin connector and I believe if the Lexus LX470's had a tow package, it would be a 4 pin connector. Would using a 7pin to 4 pin adaptor work and still retain all the functions of the 7pin harness from the trailer? I'm not certain what the extra 3 pins are responsible for - perhaps the brakes? If so, would the adaptor still be able to control the brakes? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[AZMark]

So, I've been looking for a 2nd Gen Lexus LX470 for use as a tow rig for my 2020 AR190. The stock Shorelandr trailer that came with my boat has a 7pin connector and I believe if the Lexus LX470's had a tow package, it would be a 4 pin connector. Would using a 7pin to 4 pin adaptor work and still retain all the functions of the 7pin harness from the trailer? I'm not certain what the extra 3 pins are responsible for - perhaps the brakes? If so, would the adaptor still be able to control the brakes? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

The Lexus should have the round 7 pin. You need the 5th wire to release your trailer brakes when you try to back up.

 

[bleudyno]

The Lexus should have the round 7 pin. You need the 5th wire to release your trailer brakes when you try to back up.

So the 2002 Lexus I’m considering doesn’t have a factory tow hitch installed - I’ll have to purchase one and install but from what I’ve read, the harness adaptor that the 2002 Lexus LX470s have is for a 4 pin. Can’t get a straight answer on this though. So my question is that if it is indeed a 4 pin connector on the car, would an adaptor from 4pin to 7pin not work correctly to activate the brakes?

 

[AZMark]

So the 2002 Lexus I’m considering doesn’t have a factory tow hitch installed - I’ll have to purchase one and install but from what I’ve read, the harness adaptor that the 2002 Lexus LX470s have is for a 4 pin. Can’t get a straight answer on this though. So my question is that if it is indeed a 4 pin connector on the car, would an adaptor from 4pin to 7pin not work correctly to activate the brakes?

4 pin would not work. You need a 5 pin, the 5th pin is tapped into your reverse lights and the signal locks out your surge brakes on the trailer so they don’t stop the trailer when you try to back up.
You would not need a full 7 pin as the last two are for electric brake control and auxiliary 12v power, neither of which are needed for a boat.
I’m assuming 19ft boat trailers have surge brakes too - if you don’t then you’d be ok with 4 pin.
If you are mechanically inclined the ih8mud.com forum for LX470 & 100 series land cruisers is a good source for info. Otherwise find a reputable independent shop and it shouldn’t be that expensive since they just have to add 1 wire.

 

[bleudyno]

Thanks man! I appreciate the clarification.

 

[212s]

Just to clarify, the 4 to 7-pin would work, you just wouldn't have automatic reverse lockout and would have to manually put the reverse lockout key pin in place to back up. My SUV came with just a 4-pin too but I cut it off and re-wired it to a 7-pin socket and use a magnetic lockout key. I could have added the reverse lockout, but didn't want to drill a hole through the floor to feed a wire. Works perfectly with the lockout key, but you have to remember to remove the key or you won't have surge brakes when you drive down the road!

 

[Julian]

If you are going to pay to have an adapter installed on the Lexus, just have them add the 7 pin round one. Its just wires. The only issue would be if it would attach....if not then just have them put in a 5 flat and use an adapter or just change the round to flat on the trailer.

 

[marcham]

All good info above. Nothing to add. There's a similar discussion here:

https://jetboaters.net/threads/yamaha-jet-boat-questions.30873/page-1#post-509311