Trailer Wiring Adapter

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

KCKKen

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2021
Posts
52
Reaction score
114
Location
Kansas City, Kansas
First Name
Ken
Truck Year
1985/1978
Truck Model
1500/C20
Engine Size
350/350
Hi Everyone!

As I'm upgrading the 78 C20 and working towards the wiring on the 85 GMC I was wondering if anyone has any experience with a plug-in trailer wiring adapter for a flat 4-pin trailer plug? This would be separate from the car trailer wiring, I have a pickup bed trailer that doesn't have brakes and an even smaller trailer I use for my riding mower that just have the flat-4 connection.

I found one on Amazon and am about to pull the trigger on buying it, but wanted to see if anyone knows of other options:

I find it odd that it breaks the applicability at 1984, I don't remember seeing anything different on the 1985 when I took it apart.

Take Care,
KS in KCK
 

squaredeal91

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2023
Posts
1,889
Reaction score
3,293
Location
Cave junction Oregon
First Name
Greg bush
Truck Year
1991 SB
Truck Model
K30
Engine Size
5.9 Cummins 12 valve
I have the exact same adapter in the packaging. Haven't used it yet but thought it was a really cool idea.
 

CalSgt

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2021
Posts
1,540
Reaction score
3,273
Location
CA
First Name
Casey
Truck Year
1980
Truck Model
Chevy K-10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
350
I have the exact same adapter in the packaging. Haven't used it yet but thought it was a really cool idea.
I thought so too…. I had no idea these even existed. I would have just cut into the factory wiring, but this is way better
 

squaredeal91

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2023
Posts
1,889
Reaction score
3,293
Location
Cave junction Oregon
First Name
Greg bush
Truck Year
1991 SB
Truck Model
K30
Engine Size
5.9 Cummins 12 valve
I thought so too…. I had no idea these even existed. I would have just cut into the factory wiring, but this is way better
Exactly , I almost cut mine then just ran butt connectors and made it work. Then discovered they make a clean plug and play. I'm saving it for when I put the bed back on.
 

Turbo4whl

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2019
Posts
2,909
Reaction score
6,574
Location
Downingtown, PA
First Name
Wayne
Truck Year
1974
Truck Model
Jimmy
Engine Size
350
Hi Everyone!

As I'm upgrading the 78 C20 and working towards the wiring on the 85 GMC I was wondering if anyone has any experience with a plug-in trailer wiring adapter for a flat 4-pin trailer plug? This would be separate from the car trailer wiring, I have a pickup bed trailer that doesn't have brakes and an even smaller trailer I use for my riding mower that just have the flat-4 connection.

I found one on Amazon and am about to pull the trigger on buying it, but wanted to see if anyone knows of other options:

I find it odd that it breaks the applicability at 1984, I don't remember seeing anything different on the 1985 when I took it apart.

Take Care,
KS in KCK
NAPA Sells one as well. May be cheaper. Local NAPA stocks them, you may need to ask you NAPA to check their catalog
 

HotWheelsBurban

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2023
Posts
1,824
Reaction score
4,087
Location
Houston, Texas
First Name
Carol
Truck Year
1990
Truck Model
R2500 Suburban
Engine Size
350
NAPA Sells one as well. May be cheaper. Local NAPA stocks them, you may need to ask you NAPA to check their catalog
The trailer wiring harness adapters that plug in between the two halves of the rear wiring harness, should be the same for all square body trucks. If you have a Northern Tool store in your area, they have them too. Got mine from there, for my crew cab. The one on my Burb came from Rock Auto on closeout. They are another place to try, for these items; they usually have some version of it available.
 

crpntr78

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2016
Posts
531
Reaction score
415
Location
Missouri
First Name
Jerry
Truck Year
86
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
350
The plug configuration is different after '84. 84 and under is round with I think spade connectors whereas the 85 and up are a smaller diameter with pin connectors.
 

Oldbear42

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2024
Posts
87
Reaction score
196
Location
Linden, Alberta, Canada
First Name
Shaine
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
C20 LWB Scottsdale
Engine Size
350
I run 7-pin RV-style connections on all my vehicles and I have adaptors to go to the four-pin for when I help move someone else's trailer (two friends' boat trailers are 4-pin and I often haul them to the lake as payment for staying at their cabins for the weekend). I ran a junction box at the back of my truck to make adding stuff like trailer plugs easier - I'm installing a chrome bumper soon and will install the 7-pin then.
 

Broken85

Junior Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2024
Posts
4
Reaction score
7
Location
Cumberland, NJ
First Name
A
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
350
Hi Everyone!

As I'm upgrading the 78 C20 and working towards the wiring on the 85 GMC I was wondering if anyone has any experience with a plug-in trailer wiring adapter for a flat 4-pin trailer plug? This would be separate from the car trailer wiring, I have a pickup bed trailer that doesn't have brakes and an even smaller trailer I use for my riding mower that just have the flat-4 connection.

I found one on Amazon and am about to pull the trigger on buying it, but wanted to see if anyone knows of other options:

I find it odd that it breaks the applicability at 1984, I don't remember seeing anything different on the 1985 when I took it apart.

Take Care,
KS in KCK
I started with the adapter bought but bought this guy, ran an extra hot, and a break wire, tapped the reverse lights and updated the whole truck to a 7/4/5 pin.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
42,332
Posts
913,849
Members
33,833
Latest member
nathanjohnson85
Top