SPYDERGUY1
New member
need help on how to wire a sm5 for a trailer wire harness. Thanks.:sour:
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2008 sm5 wiring issues ( trailer )
- Thread starter SPYDERGUY1
- Start date
retread
New member
Depending on your trailer wiring, you'll need either a 4 or 5 wire powered converter. Tap into the battery to power it, and run the outputs to the trailer. I've got a 5 to 4 converter on my 08. I used a 4 wire vehicle side plug with mounting holes and fastened it to the hitch.
There's a thread about it in here somewhere.
john
There's a thread about it in here somewhere.
john
SPYDERGUY1
New member
Thanks John, but what is a powered converter ? Am sure a 4 wire is good as do not need one for a cooler , just lighting.:dontknow:
retread
New member
A powered converter has a direct hook up to the battery (through a fuse), the connections to your lights on the Spyder trigger the outputs on the converter to light the trailer lights. This isolates the trailer from the computer wiring, so the computer isn't affected.
Because the Spyder has separate turn signals and brake lights, and most trailers have them combined, a 5 to 4 converter is needed to make them work. If your trailer has separate brake and turn signals, you'll need a 5 to 5 powered converter.
Look at your trailer's plug, if it has a flat 4 wire connecter, you'll need the 5 to 4.
I'll try to get my camera to talk to my computer and post some pics. This isn't a hard job, but it does require some soldering and heat shrink tubing because you need to build about a 4 foot harness for the Spyder side plug.
john
Because the Spyder has separate turn signals and brake lights, and most trailers have them combined, a 5 to 4 converter is needed to make them work. If your trailer has separate brake and turn signals, you'll need a 5 to 5 powered converter.
Look at your trailer's plug, if it has a flat 4 wire connecter, you'll need the 5 to 4.
I'll try to get my camera to talk to my computer and post some pics. This isn't a hard job, but it does require some soldering and heat shrink tubing because you need to build about a 4 foot harness for the Spyder side plug.
john
Trickie Dick
New member
Here's the converter John and I used: http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-46255...6O/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1314532465&sr=8-11
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
You need a 4-wire converter if your trailer has combined brakelights/turn signals, and a 5-wire if the turn signals are separate. The trailer connector will usually have four or five poles, accordingly, although some manufacturers use 6-pole round or rectangular and don't use all the wires.
SPYDERGUY1
New member
Thanks John and Scotty. All help is appreciated. If you can get you camera to co-operate that would be GREAT. Any other help would be most welcome. :gaah:
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
It is difficult to put together meaningful wiring photos. For one thing, the wires are usually bundled together. For another, the two ends are far from each other, and often somewhat hiden. That is why wiring diagrams are typically used. If you are uncomfortable with wiring your trailer connector, I would recommend visiting a good trailer shop in your area. They may not be familiar with the Spyder, so you may have to help them get to the wiring, but they are good at figuring out just what you need, and making it work. This is one area where there is no good substitute for hands-on assistance.
retread
New member
When I wired mine, I ran the harness from the area near the taillights (where the connections are) forward to where the wiring goes down and back to the right side of the swing arm, then to the back of the hitch. The harness is roughly 4 feet long, and covered with heatshrink tubing and 1/2 inch split flex. A small plate was made to mount the plug on the hitch, and zip tied in place. I'll try to get pics in today.
john
john
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