Trailer adapters and cables

What is a trailer cable?

A trailer cable is an important component when you need to transport something with your trailer. The trailer cable connects your car to the trailer and allows the car’s electrical system to communicate with the trailer. The cable ensures that the turn indicators and brake lights also work on the trailer.

Having the right trailer cable is crucial for road safety. Without it, your trailer won’t be able to receive power from the car, and its lights and other electrical functions won’t work. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have the right trailer cable before you drive on the road.

Choose between a 7- or 13-pin adapter

Trailer connectors are available in 7-pin and 13-pin designs. When choosing the right trailer cable, it is important to know the difference between a 7-pin and a 13-pin adapter. Both types of trailer cables are used to connect your car to your trailer, but they have different functions and uses.

A 7-pin trailer cable is the most common and is usually used for simpler trailers. This ensures the basic functions work, such as brake lights, turn indicators, and rear lights. This adapter is normally sufficient for smaller trailers that do not require additional electrical functions.

A 13-pin trailer cable, on the other hand, is a more advanced solution. Besides for the basic functions that a 7-pin adapter provides, a 13-pin adapter enables additional functionality. This type of connector is usually seen in larger trailers and caravans.

It is therefore important that you are aware of the type of adapter equipped on your car and trailer before investing in a new trailer cable.

How to connect the trailer cable to your trailer

Connecting a trailer cable to your trailer is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure your trailer’s electrical system works properly.

First, you need to make sure that both your car and trailer are switched off and parked in a safe place. Next, you will need to find the connector on your car, which is usually located near the tow hitch.

Once you have found the car’s connector, connect your trailer cable to it. For the cable to be correctly connected, all the pins in the adapter must be plugged in.

Once the adapter is connected, check that all the lights on the trailer are working properly before heading out on the road. To do this, turn on the car lights and check that the trailer lights flash when you use the car’s indicators. Also make sure the brake light comes on when you press the brake.

Need an adapter for your trailer cable?

When you need to connect your car to your trailer, the connectors on the car trailer don’t always match. For instance, your car may have a 7-pin connector while the trailer has a 13-pin connector. In such situations, it is necessary to use an adapter for your trailer cable.

An adapter acts as a bridge between the car and trailer connectors and allows the two to be connected even if they have a different number of pins. The adapter ensures that the power from the car can be transferred to the trailer, so that all the trailer’s electrical work properly.

Find an adapter or connector for your trailer at Biltema

At Biltema you will find a wide range of both adapters and connectors for trailers. We have a wide range of trailer connectors, including both 7-pin and 13-pin connectors. We understand the importance of a reliable connector that ensures your trailer’s electrical system works properly. We have therefore carefully selected our products to ensure they meet the relevant standards.

If you have a car with a 7-pin connector and a trailer with a 13-pin connector or vice versa, we also have the solution for you. We have a wide range of adapters designed to act as a bridge between the car and trailer connectors, so you can easily and safely connect the two, even if they have a different number of pins.

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FAQs

What is the difference between a 7-pin and 13-pin connector?

The difference between 7-pin and 13-pin connectors for trailers is in the number of functions they can handle. A 7-pin connector handles basic functions such as brake lights, turn indicators, and rear lights. On the other hand, a 13-pin trailer connector can also handle extra functions typically found in caravans and larger trailers.

What is the purpose of a trailer connector?

The purpose of a trailer connector is to connect the car’s electrical system to the trailer. This ensures that the trailer can receive power from the car so that its lights and other electrical functions work properly. Without a proper trailer connector, the functions will not work.

What is a trailer adapter used for?

A trailer adapter is used to connect a trailer connector to a car when the trailer and car do not have the same number of pins. The adapter acts as a bridge between the car and trailer connectors, so that the power can be transferred correctly and all the trailer’s electrical functions work properly.