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Topic: Toad Wiring Plug Question - Pro Plug 7-way RV Plug (Read 564 times) previous topic - next topic
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Toad Wiring Plug Question - Pro Plug 7-way RV Plug
My 2010 RB LD has the standard four (4) pole male plug installed under the rear bumper for the towing connection.  Stock factory setup.  Has never been connected to a tow vehicle.

Recently purchased a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick that also has a four (4) pole.  BUT.....

The female plug from the toad wire connection (four (4) hole plug is slightly larger then the opening to the LD connection. 

Appears about 1/16" or so larger than the hold on the LD plug fixture. 

Obviously will not fit into the hole on the male connector to my LD.

At some point in the future I plan to replace both Toad and LD with  a 7 pin connection, just not now.  It's not an option for us.

Any suggestions? 

Is there a specific part number/brand  for the female four (4) pin toad side that I could purchase and install on the Toad Wire that will insert into the plug on my LD? 

I searched up and down the "Companion", but was unable to find a similar issue.

Most respectfully,
Tony R (aka codefour) Be Safe - Be Well
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #1 –
The 4-pin connector is adequate for towing a small utility trailer, but may not have enough current capability even for electric brakes. I would decide exactly how you plan to set up the toad - brakes, lights, charging, etc., and leave the consideration of the plug wiring until you know your needs.

Steve

p.s. in many cases, the 4-pin is left as a source of 'signal' and a separate boosted connector added alongside for the toad. And, you will still be able rent and tow a small trailer if needed.
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #2 –
Quote from: codefour  - 
The female plug from the toad wire connection (four (4) hole plug is slightly larger then the opening to the LD connection. 

Most respectfully,
Tony R (aka codefour) Be Safe - Be Well


Tony, could it be corrosion/age is causing this? Maybe take some sand paper to it.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #3 –
Should work. See the groove on the left picture? Should match a projection out of sight on the right picture.

If not, the wires are held in by set screws so buy a new set of connectors from a towing place. Start with U-Haul.
Harry 2006RB
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #4 –
I recently used the Factory 4-pin plug for the first time to power tail lights on a bike rack.
Not being able to find a male plug that fit the Factroy 4-pin plug,  I removed and replaced the stock female plug with new plug, along with a matching male plug.
Wasn't a hard conversion, make sure the colored wires go to the same positions.
Or bit the bullet and do the 7-pin plug now, why wire the Suzuki twice?
The extra three pins can be useful.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #5 –

Hi Tony. You can get the seven pin connector pair for less than $30. You don't need to run all the wiring yet on either end. You can just 'set' screw each of the four wires from the LD into the new socket. Easier to do if the wire bundle is already under the bumper. Then do the same for the four from the Suzuki.  Then later after you've put in an auxiliary braking system, you can populate both plugs with the wires you need, on both 'Bud's" end and the LD end.  Amazon.com: Reese Towpower 85209 7-Way RV Flat Blade Connector Kit: Automotive
   As Steve suggested, My plug was wired on the tire cover, just an oddball (now obsolete, or at least hard to find,as Larry noted) 4 pin connector, as wired by LD.    I left that as is, and added another 7 pin plug under the bumper, and boosted it, as Steve mentioned, with a Modulite. Amazon.com: Tekonsha 119190 ModuLite HD Plus Protector with Integrated...
  (I used a now obsolete relay unit, but I used this Tekonsha part on a friend's MB)   This requires more wiring on the LD end, so probably is a future investment. RonB   

    edited:  off track a bit, but pics of 2001 MB install.  Trailer wiring mods

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #6 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
I left that as is, and added another 7 pin plug under the bumper, and boosted it, as Steve mentioned, with a Modulite. Amazon.com: Tekonsha 119190 ModuLite HD Plus Protector with Integrated...
  (I used a now-obsolete relay unit, but I used this Tekonsha part on a friend's MB)  This requires more wiring on the LD end, so probably is a future investment. 

I used a Modulite booster for many years until discovering that replacing the LDs tail lights with LEDs, along with the toad's tail lights allowed removing the troublesome Modulite. I had two burn up and then used a bank of three 12-volt relays to supply power from a new wire, supplied from the starting battery. The LEDs eliminated the need for the extra wires and relays.

The 2003 and earlier Fords had undersized tail light wiring, adding the toad's taillights dropped the voltage too much for bright tail lights. The LEDs use much less power and do not drop the voltage enough to be an issue.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #7 –
You LD folks are truly amazing!  A functioning Forum that benefits all who seek.

Discovered that the four pole (4) on my 1995 Suzuki Toad is obsolete. 

Not sure when that style of plug was no longer manufactured, but if you can't find a compatible mate in someone's old stock - you are out of luck.

Well - as luck would have it - a locally owned "old-time" business by the name of CAMPOUT, on Fremont Street in Las Vegas had one of the oldies plugs lying around for $6.99.  Owner is a real character by the name of Anthony.  He has stock I haven't seen in years, piled everywhere, and he knows exactly where each part is.  Go figure. 

Essentially all I do now is install that male plug on the electrical end going to my LD, stick it in the original LD four (4) pole fixture - and I should be in business.  This is a temporary job until......

That said, I have also scheduled a 7 pin conversion with U-Haul for both Mr. Daisy (our LD), and Lil Bud (our Suzuki Sidekick) in a few weeks. Your posts have convinced me that the update will work into the future for us.

Most respectfully,
Tony R (aka codefour)
Stay Safe - Be Well


Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #8 –
Interesting thread because I am now trying to add a 7 pin ProPlug connector to replace the current 4 pin connector.
It is my understanding that the driver side frame rail has wiring about 5 or 6 feet from the bumper that I should be able to tap into so as to run the new wires to the plug.
I am attaching a picture of the wiring in the frame rail.  I don’t know if the brown plastic items are connectors or plugs on what.
Any know how to actually discern what these are and how do I actually tap into the correct wires?  Thanks for any help.
2006 MB
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #9 –
As a side note to my question, I am thinking the original poster was asking about a 4 pin connector to plug into the lazy daze connector.  I got one from etrailer.com.  Just the type in “4 pin connector” and a couple will show up. 
Hope I’m not wrong about this.  It’s been a couple of years since I replaced mine.  Am now trying to switch over to 7 pin connector.
2006 MB
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #10 –
Hi Jack; I'd like a picture into the ends of those connectors. Have a good voltmeter to investigate what those wires are, if they go anywhere and/or have power.   My '99 E350 chassis probably is wired differently.  It was my understanding that the power distribution box under the hood, drivers side, near the front bumper, had missing relays  (not populated sockets) for the trailer towing package that Lazy Daze didn't order.  So using those wires near the back bumper, if they are those wires, might require adding some relays or fuses (or both) under the hood.
     Someone with an applicable Ford schematic might be able to throw some light on this.    RonB 
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #11 –
Appreciate the info but I have 2006 MB.   I guess the plugs are black and in the picture you can see the end of one pretty clearly.  Not really sure what they are. 
 I am thinking someone on this site has done this (dig into the wiring to add 7 pin connector).  Maybe it was Blue Ox/Harold?  I know he added a Demco Stay & Play Duo braking system.
I am sure (kind of) it’s the right bundle of wires but how does any one dig out the right ones to connect to?
2006 MB
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #12 –
To TonyR; about having a 7 pin conversion done on Lil Bud;  When I bought my '92 Tracker (GM version of a SideKick) the dealer bragged that the trailer plug wiring was done by a professional.  Looking under the hood, my comment was "if the 'professional' knew what he was doing, I wouldn't be able to see where the wiring was added"  I ended up ripping most of it out and re-doing the wiring (my) right way. I installed a 7 pin box under the bumper. So the umbilical has a 7 pin plug at each end. Receptacle on both LD and Tracker.      RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #13 –
Thank RonB

Your advise is exactly why I am starting over with a 7 Pin. 

I get very nervous about anyone touching Ms. Daisy, but the folks at U-Haul had their tech talk with me. 

This electrical mojo-jumbo is totally out of my wheelhouse.  The U-Haul on Decatur in Vegas does 20-30 installs a week and did one for me with a previous RV.  Well satisfied. 

"We'll see said the spider to the fly"

Most Respectfully,
Tony R (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #14 –
Larry, is it easy to find the LED replacement taillights? 
If possible I'd like to pre-order them before going to Arizona to pick up the motor home in the fall. 
Thanks, Kristin
1997 MB
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #15 –
Jackhiett-

I installed a 7-pin ProPlug on our 1998 mid-bath, and a Stay-in-Play Duo on our 2009 Fit. I connected into the Ford connectors at the frame rail. You can see the ProPlug, mounted to the bumper, in this photo.

There's a lot of details I can share. I'll send a private message with my e-mail address and we "converse" that way, instead of taking up space on this thread.

Mark H.
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #16 –
Tony, I have a new, unused ProPlug that I would be happy to give to you for the price of postage.  I bought it for our prior Lazy Daze and then did not install it because we didn’t need one with our new 2019 MB.  It has some advantages over the mainstream devices (ease of wiring, connection testing light, mounting).  Here is a link to the ProPlug site in case you’re wondering...  7 Way Trailer Plug Wiring | Pro Plug Products

PM me if you want it. 

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #17 –
Quote from: l1v3fr33ord13  - 
I installed a 7-pin ProPlug on our 1998 mid-bath, and a Stay-in-Play Duo on our 2009 Fit. I connected into the Ford connectors at the frame rail. You can see the ProPlug, mounted to the bumper, in this photo.


I had not seen a ProPlug before, I like the terminal board for attaching wires and the ease of access for re-tightening.
Most conversions to a 7-pin plug involved either opening up the existing 4-pin plugs holes to fit a 7-pin plug or to drill a new hole for a separate 7-pin club. There is plenty of room under the spare tire cover for the wiring,

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
I had not seen a ProPlug before, I like the terminal board for attaching wires and the ease of access for re-tightening.
Most conversions to a 7-pin plug involved either opening up the existing 4-pin plugs holes to fit a 7-pin plug or to drill a new hole for a separate 7-pin club. There is plenty of room under the spare tire cover for the wiring,

Larry



Got it and thanks
2006 MB
Re: Toad Wiring Plug Question for Lazy Daze
Reply #19 –
Warren

Thank you.  I just sent a PM to you.

Regards,

Tony R
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family