Trailer Connector Adapter for Towing a Trailer with a Female 4-Way Trailer Connector

Question:

HELP!! I have a 2005 Ford Expedition with a standard factory 4-wire female connector. I purchased a kayak trailer kit from Malone Auto Racks in Maine, and assembled it last weekend. Unfortunately, the trailer 4-wire connector is also female! When I called Malone, they said most 4-wire vehicle connectors are male, but they were aware that some large SUVs have female connectors. Their only suggestion was that I purchase a male/male adapter to connect the two female connectors! I have not been able to find such an animal online...do you have them? Thanks

asked by: Michael K

Expert Reply:

I am not sure why your kayak trailer came with a female 4-way connector. In the trailer industry, the tow vehicle uses a female style trailer connector and the trailer uses a male style connector. This is the general rule. I have not heard of a vehicle coming with a male style trailer connector of any type. I have attached a photo showing what the vehicle side connector should look like and what the trailer side connector should look like.

There are two solutions for this situation. It is not the easiest solution, but I would recommend cutting off the 4-way connector on your trailer and adding a trailer end 4-way connector like part # 18004. You may want to contact Malone Auto Racks to make sure this would not void any type of warranty, but this will make your trailer compatible with any vehicle that has a 4-way connector.

The easiest solution would be to use an extension loop with two male ends like part # RM-300150-00. This would make the connector on the trailer compatible with the connector on your Expedition, but this loop would need to stay with the trailer to tow the trailer with another vehicle.

expert reply by: John H