basic noob trailer plug question

[cercidiphyllum]

Hi everyone,

I own an older International 4700 chip truck and am in the process of getting it set up properly for towing. The truck still needs some work, including trailer wiring, a brake controller, and a trailer plug installation.

Up to this point, I've been loading brush directly into the chip body and slashing material by hand, but my jobs are getting larger and I'm planning to start renting a chipper regularly.

My question is: what trailer plug should I have my mechanic install—a 7-way round pin or a 7-way RV-style flat/blade plug?

The more I research it, the more confused I get. It seems like most rental yards use the 7-way RV-style blade plug, but I've also seen chippers with different plug configurations depending on the manufacturer, age, and model.

My long-term goal is to purchase a 12"+ Morbark chipper, so I'd like to set the truck up in a way that works with both rental chippers now and a future Morbark purchase.

What would you recommend? Is there a standard setup most arborists are using today?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Reach]

Most chippers come from the factory with a six pin round plug.

The seven blade RV style is more universal, but among chippers the six pin round is what you're most likely to see. You can always use adapters to go from one to another. Or install more than one electrical connector on the back of your truck.

 

[Serf Life]

All ones in our area are these. As are dump and landscape trailers.
But the Bartlett chip truck I just had shipped from NC was wired for the small six pin, so maybe regional??

 

[cercidiphyllum]

Thanks! My mechanic is asking me to pick one to install heh - Sounds like any 6 pin round or 7 way blade RV will work fine either way.

thanks!

 

[Serf Life]

Thanks! My mechanic is asking me to pick one to install heh - Sounds like any 6 pin round or 7 way blade RV will work fine either way.

thanks!

Worth checking what the non-chipper trailers are wired to, you'll probably tow something else at some point.

 

[southsoundtree]

The 7th allows a utility light, I believe. Backing up at night with an LED floodlight!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

After you decide which plug you’re gonna choose for the trailer connection make up at least one maybe two extra where set ups. Stash one behind the seat of your vehicle maybe one in a toolbox on the chipper. That way on your trash show plug on the chipper or trailer you can just swap in the premade Wire set up.

 

[flushcut]

Me personally I’d go the 7 way RV plug on the truck. The adapter to go from 7 to 6 is much cleaner than the 6 to 7 adapter.

 

[southsoundtree]

Me personally I’d go the 7 way RV plug on the truck. The adapter to go from 7 to 6 is much cleaner than the 6 to 7 adapter.

Agreed.

One truck had a 6, 2 trucks have a 7.
I need to get a new 7 to replace the 6, and add a light.

6-to-7 dangles.