[VAC] Re: Q: Trailer wiring: New car. Old Airstream?

[Toby Folwick <toby_folwick@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hey - welcome to the list!

> The 
> wiring receiver that is mounted under the bumper is
> a Bosch round 
> black dealie with I think 7 pins in it. It is about
> 2" across. There 
> is an adaptor that comes with it what brings it down
> to a flat, 4 pin 
> that looks much more common to me.

the 4 pin is common for smaller trailers that don't
need anything but running lights, signals and brake
lights.  The 7 pin connector is common for RV's -
there are 2 types: round pins, and flat.  I think both
are common nowadays - but it's likely that the ones
you have on your trailer are round (if they're
original)
 
> Question #1:
> 
> Is this some bizarre European trailer hook up, or is
> this what is 
> standard these days?

most likely, no.

> Question #2:
> 
> Does the 7 wire bosch plug-in mean that it is
> already wired for 
> brakes? Does anyone know whether I'll still need to
> get what I think 
> is called a "brake actuator", if I have a factory
> hitch and 7-pin 
> setup?

there's been alot of discussion on this lately here -
I'm sure it will come back up soon - in the meantime,
you might try going to Tom Patterson's archives and
doing a search for this:

http://www.tompatterson.com
 
> Question #4:
> 
> Does anyone have an idea whether there is some sort
> of adapter that I 
> can get, if needed?

in my town there are several places: Wal-mart,
Northern Tool, Fleet-Farm, U-Haul, Hitching Post.  Any
trailer type place will have adapters for most things
- you might want to call your local Land Rover Dealer
for verification, but if it's been imported to the US
and has left-hand steering, it's likely that the
fittings for a trailer are standard.

> Thanks very much in advance. You comments will help
> two people (and 3 
> dogs) have a happier, safer trip back across
> America.

thanks for including your dogs - wouldn't want them to
be left out!