A number of ISO standards cover trailer connectors, the electrical connectors between vehicles and the trailers they tow that provide a means of control for the trailers. These are listed below, with notes on significant deviations from them that can cause problems.

Trailer connectors between the trailer and passenger car, light truck or heavy trucks with 12V systems

In Europe, both 7-pin (ISO 1724) and 13-pin (ISO 11446) are common. The 13-pin version being phased in is newer, provides more services than the 7-pin, a more positive locking and also better protection against moisture and contamination.

The connectors are designed for 12V systems. Exceptions for the 7-pin connector may exist where they may be used for 6V and 24V.

Vehicles and trailers with 6V systems can use the 7-pin or a 5-pin connector, but these are rare today. Heavy trucks that may have 12V systems are usually older (vintage vehicles) or on non-European markets.[1]

The color coding is defined in ISO 4141-3, but the standard color codes are not always followed and may be different for a particular vehicle.

13-pin trailer connector (ISO 11446)

13-pin trailer connector of Jaeger type

Physical design of the standard ISO 11446[2][3] but also called Jaeger-connector from the company that developed it.

#DINSignalColorRec. cross-sectionNotes
mm²AWG
1 LLeft turn signalYellow1.515
2 Rear fog lampsBlue1.515
3 31Ground (-) for pin 1 - 8White2.513[ISO11446 1]
4 RRight turn signalGreen1.515
5 58RTail lamps, clearance lamps/outline marker lamps and registration plate lamp right sideBrown1.515[ISO11446 2]
6 54Stop lampsRed1.515
7 58LTail lamps, clearance lamps/outline marker lamps and registration plate lamp left sideBlack1.515[ISO11446 2]
8 Reversing lamps, control current to block surge brakes when reversing.Pink1.515
9 30+12V permanentOrange2.513
10 15+12V via ignition lockGrey2.513
11 31Ground (-) for pin 10Black/White2.513[ISO11446 1]
12 Reserved for future allocationLight Grey1.515[ISO11446 3]
13 31Ground (-) for pin 9Red/White2.513[ISO11446 1]

The following supplementary information exists for the connector:

  1. 1 2 3 Pin 3, 11 and 13 must not be joined in the trailer[4] to avoid interaction between circuit types and over current if one ground pin isn't working.
  2. 1 2 Pin 5 and 7 must not be joined in the trailer[4] to avoid problems in vehicles with separate circuits for left and right side.
  3. ↑ Previously allocated to trailer detection in ISO 11446:2002 (the vehicle could detect it was coupled to a trailer using a link between pin 12 and pin 3 in the trailer plug). This function was removed by ISO 11446:2004 and the pin reallocated to reserved. The pin remains reserved for future allocation in ISO 11446-1:2012.

Other variants of this connector exists but they are rare.[5] One is used in 24V applications while the other is for ADR use. The difference is how they are mechanically keyed. These connectors are not very common.

7-pin trailer connector for ABS/EBS (ISO 7638-2)

12 Volt 7-pin trailer connector ISO 7638-2 for ABS and EBS (Towing vehicle side)

Physical design according to standard ISO 7638-2.[4][6][7]

This connector is intended to be used for 12V ABS and EBS on heavy duty trailers.

Identified by key tab on outer ring between pin 3 and 4.

#DINSignalColorRec. cross-sectionNotes
mm²AWG
1 30+12V permanent for control valvesRed411
2 15+12V via ignition lock for electronicsBlack1.515
3 31Ground for electronics(Pin 2)Yellow1.515
4 31Ground for control valves (Pin 1)Brown411
5 ABS Fault indication (Active low, i.e. when the voltage is below +5V)White1.515[ISO7638-1 1]
6 CAN H, For EBS and ABSGreen/White1.515[ISO7638-2 1] [ISO7638-2 2]
7 CAN L, For EBS and ABSBrown/White1.515[ISO7638-2 1] [ISO7638-2 2]

The following supplementary information exists for the connector:

  1. 1 2 CAN bus communication according to ISO 11992.
  2. 1 2 The CAN bus is not necessary for the ABS to work which means that there are also a 5-pin variant of this connector where the CAN bus pins are excluded.

7-pin trailer connector Type 12N (ISO 1724)

7-pin ISO 1724 trailer connector type 12N (Towing vehicle side). This connector uses a mix of pin and socket terminals.

Physical design according to standard ISO 1724.[4][8]

The 7-pin connector uses all 7 pins on newer trailers according to the ISO standard.[9][10]

On older trailers there's sometimes a 5-wire setup using a 7-pin connector. In these cases exclude connection for right tail light (58R) and rear fog light (54G) and connect the tail lights only to pin for left tail light (58L).[11]

Joining the pins for right and left tail lights (58R and 58L) can cause problems on German cars where it is possible to activate Standing Lamps on only one side of the vehicle.[12]

#DINSignalColorRec. cross-sectionNotes
mm²AWG
1 LLeft turn signalYellow1.515
2 54G+12V from battery or Rear fog lightsBlue1.515
3 31Ground connected to chassisWhite or Grey2.513
4 RRight turn signalGreen1.515
5 58RTail lights, clearance lights/outline marker lights and registration plate light right sideBrown1.515
6 54Stop lightsRed1.515
7 58LTail lights, clearance lights/outline marker lights and registration plate light left sideBlack1.515

Pin 2 (54G)

According to DIN 72552 pin 54G was initially intended for electrical control of brakes on trailers.[13]

Later pin 2 (54G) has been used for a variety of functions different from the original intent. A few examples:

This is why in regions using this connector, trailers on the road are occasionally seen with the rear fog lights on when they should be off. (Vehicle wired for +12V, permanent or via ignition and trailer wired for fog lamps)

Special case for Australia

Australia uses basically the same wiring with the exception for pin 5 and pin 2. The problematic part here is that pin 5 is used for trailer brake which means that if you for some reason connect an Australian trailer to a towing vehicle with ISO wiring you will get into trouble with the trailer brakes being applied as soon as you turn on the lights.[14]

Further reading at Trailer Connector/Australia.

7-pin trailer connector Type 12S (ISO 3732)

7-pin ISO 3732 trailer connector type 12S (Towing vehicle side)

Physical design according to standard ISO 3732.[4][15]

Signals in this connector (if following the standard) are not generally legally required (local regulations may still apply), which means that it is not mandatory to connect it if it is present.

This connector is basically the same as the 12N (ISO 1724) connector, but the center pin (pin 7) has changed gender to make the plug and outlet unique. Socket is replaced with pin in the plug, pin is replaced with socket in outlet.

The purpose of this connector is to supplement the 12N (ISO 1724) connector for power supply of consumers common in caravans (Travel trailers).[16] This is used in Great Britain but may also be used in other areas of Europe.

There are two main variants of the wiring with a switchover date 1999. The difference is that an additional connection for ground and that battery charging in the trailer is shared with other consumers. This means that if a pre-1999 camper trailer with a battery is connected to a post 1999 vehicle there's a risk that the battery charging won't work.

The combination of 12N+12S was replaced in 2008 by the 13-pin ISO 11446 connector.

#DINBritishISO 3732ColorRec. cross-sectionNotes
-19991999-2008mm²AWG
1 Reversing lampsReversing lampsYellow1.515
2 (15)Battery chargingSpareBlue2.513[ISO3732 1]
3 31Common groundCommon ground except for pin 6White or Grey2.513
4 30Feed for internal 12V equipment except refrigerator+12V permanentGreen2.513
5 SpareSpareBrown1.515
6 15Feed for refrigerator+12V via ignition lockRed2.513
7 Spareground for pin 6Black2.513

The following supplementary information exists for the connector:

  1. ↑ Attention shall be paid to the fact that this pin may not be powered if the towing vehicle is manufactured after 1999 and if the trailer has a battery that is charged by the towing vehicle. The result may be that the battery wouldn't be charged as expected.

5-pin connector (ISO 1724)

Physical design according to standard ISO 1724.[4][8]

The 5-pin has a design and pin layout that is identical to the 7-pin ISO 1724 connector with the exception for the lack of pin 1 (L) and pin 4 (R). This connector is sometimes present on vintage vehicles and the actual wiring may be completely different from what the standard states which means that measuring before connecting is a good idea.

Whenever there is a need to change the plug or outlet it can be replaced with a 7-pin.

Trailer connectors between heavy duty trailer and the tractor unit

Connectors on a European heavy duty trailer

These connectors are designated as 24 volt.

15-pin trailer connector (ISO 12098)

24 Volt 15-pin trailer connector ISO 12098 (Towing vehicle side)

Physical design according to standard ISO 12098.[4][17]

This connector is present on newer heavy duty commercial trucks and trailers following the ISO standard and is intended to replace the combination of connectors according to standards ISO 1185 and ISO 3731. The 15-pin connector is not designed to replace the ISO 7638 connector.[18]

#DINSignalColorRec. cross-sectionNotes
mm²AWG
1 LLeft turn signalYellow1.515
2 RRight turn signalGreen1.515
3 Rear fog lampsBlue1.515
4 31Ground (-) for pin 1 - 3 and 5 - 12White2.513
5 58LTail lamps, clearance lamps/outline marker lamps, identification lamps and registration plate lamp left sideBlack1.515[ISO12098 1] [ISO12098 2]
6 58RTail lamps, clearance lamps/outline marker lamps, identification lamps and registration plate lamp right sideBrown1.515[ISO12098 1] [ISO12098 2]
7 54Stop lampsRed1.515
8 Reversing lampsPink1.515
9 30+24V permanentOrange2.513
10 Brake wear indicator[19]Grey1.515
11 Indication of applied parking brake due to loss of air pressureBlack/White1.515
12 Lift AxleBlue/White1.515
13 31ground (-) for pin 14 and 15Red/White2.513
14 CAN H, Not for EBS or ABSGreen/White1.515[ISO12098 3]
15 CAN L, Not for EBS or ABSBrown/White1.515[ISO12098 3]

The following supplementary information exists for the connector:

  1. 1 2 Pin 5 and 6 must not be joined in the trailer[4] to avoid problems in vehicles with separate circuits for left and right side.
  2. 1 2 Identification lamps shall be wired to either pin 5 or 6, not both.
  3. 1 2 EBS and ABS shall be connected through the ISO 7638 connector.

Notice: There was a predecessor to this connector with 13 pins that on a cursory glance is identical to the 15 pin connector but has a different arrangement of the pins.[20] It was not very common but may exist on some vehicles and can result in an unpleasant surprise.

7-pin trailer connector for ABS/EBS (ISO 7638-1)

24 Volt 7-pin trailer connector ISO 7638 for ABS and EBS (Towing vehicle side)

Physical design according to standard ISO 7638-1.[4][7][21]

This connector is intended for 24V ABS and EBS on heavy duty trailers.

Identified by key tab on outer ring by pin 5.

#DINSignalColorRec. cross-sectionNotes
mm²AWG
1 30+24V permanent for control valvesRed411
2 15+24V via ignition lock for electronicsBlack1.515
3 31Ground for electronics(Pin 2)Yellow1.515
4 31Ground for control valves (Pin 1)Brown411
5 ABS Fault indicationWhite1.515[ISO7638-1 1]
6 CAN H, For EBS and ABSGreen/White1.515[ISO7638-1 2] [ISO7638-1 3]
7 CAN L, For EBS and ABSBrown/White1.515[ISO7638-1 2] [ISO7638-1 3]

The following supplementary information exists for the connector:

  1. 1 2 Active low, i.e. when the voltage is below +5V.
  2. 1 2 CAN bus communication according to ISO 11992.
  3. 1 2 The CAN bus is not necessary for the ABS to work which means that there are also a 5-pin variant of this connector where the CAN bus pins are excluded.

7-pin trailer connector 24N (ISO 1185)

24 Volt 7-pin trailer connector ISO 1185 (Viewed from back of plug where wires connect to pins)

Physical design according to standard ISO 1185.[4][22]

This connector is common on heavy duty commercial trucks and trailers but is replaced by the ISO 12098 connector on newer vehicles.

#DINSignalColorRec. cross-sectionNotes
mm²AWG
1 31Ground (-)White2.513
2 58LTail lamps, clearance lamps/outline marker lamps, identification lamps and registration plate lamp left sideBlack1.515[ISO1185 1] [ISO1185 2]
3 LLeft turn signalYellow1.515
4 54Stop lampsRed1.515
5 RRight turn signalGreen1.515
6 58RTail lamps, clearance lamps/outline marker lamps, identification lamps and registration plate lamp right sideBrown1.515[ISO1185 1] [ISO1185 2]
7 Trailer brake control according to ISO 1185, SAE J560 use is differentBlue1.515

The following supplementary information exists for the connector:

  1. 1 2 Pin 2 and 6 must not be joined in the trailer[4] to avoid problems in vehicles with separate circuits for left and right side.
  2. 1 2 Identification lamps shall be wired to either pin 2 or 6, not both.

The physical design is also used by SAE J560 with basically the same configuration. The difference is that SAE J560 uses 12V (larger wire cross-section and higher amp rating on fuses). Pin 7 may also have a different behavior on SAE J560.[23][24][25]

7-pin trailer connector 24S (ISO 3731)

24 Volt 7-pin trailer connector ISO 3731 (Towing vehicle side)

Physical design according to standard ISO 3731.[4][26][27]

This connector is common but on newer vehicles it is replaced by the connectors according to ISO 12098 and ISO 7638.

#DINSignalColorRec. cross-sectionNotes
mm²AWG
1 31Ground (-)White2.513
2 ABS Fault indicationBlack1.515
3 Reversing lampsYellow1.515
4 30+24V permanentRed2.513
5 Control via GroundGreen1.515
6 15+24V via ignition lockBrown2.513
7 Rear fog lampsBlue1.515

See also

References

  1. ↑ "ARTSA Voltage Troubles" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-18.
  2. ↑ "ISO 11446-1:2012".
  3. ↑ "ISO 11446-2:2012".
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "HELLA ELECTRICAL PLUG-TYPE CONNECTIONS" (PDF).
  5. ↑ "13-pin 24V Trailer Connectors similar to ISO 11446" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-17.
  6. ↑ "ISO 7638-2:2003".
  7. 1 2 "ABS Troubleshooting for Trucks, Trailers, and Buses".
  8. 1 2 "ISO 1724:2003".
  9. ↑ "Wiring Guides".
  10. ↑ "7 pin 12N wiring diagram".
  11. ↑ "Bosch - koppling 7-polig med 5- och 7-ledarkabel" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-09-27.
  12. ↑ "Light switch" (PDF). Mercedes Owner's manual. p. 106.
  13. ↑ Glenning, Christer (1976). Allt om bilen. Det Bästa (Reader's Digest, Sweden). p. 130. ISBN 9789170300189.
  14. ↑ "NARVA Wiring Diagrams".
  15. ↑ "ISO 3732:2003".
  16. ↑ "The British Caravanners Club: Towing Wiring for Caravans and Trailers". Archived from the original on 2013-09-29. Retrieved 2013-09-26.
  17. ↑ "ISO 12098:2004".
  18. ↑ "Your Guide to ABS and EBS" (PDF).
  19. ↑ "Just the Facts: Brake Pad Wear Sensors". Archived from the original on 2013-09-17. Retrieved 2013-09-27.
  20. ↑ "13-pin 24V Trailer Connectors similar to ISO 12098" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-09-21.
  21. ↑ "ISO 7638-1:2003".
  22. ↑ "ISO 1185:2003".
  23. ↑ "SAE J560: Primary and Auxiliary Seven Conductor Electrical Connector for Truck-Trailer Jumper Cable".
  24. ↑ "Transatlantic connection – A comparison of different standards for trailer connectors".
  25. ↑ "Truck Lite Trailer Wiring". Archived from the original on 2013-09-27. Retrieved 2013-09-26.
  26. ↑ "ISO 3731:2003".
  27. ↑ "European Truck Trailer suzie pin-out connections".

Symbol Guide

ExampleDescription
 Socket
 Pin
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