Trailer wiring - Pin count & electronic brakes

[aaroncat]

Hi all,

I don't usually have to post questions as everything I need has been covered. Even this question has been covered but not from the angle (and with the simplicity) I am looking for, so I am hoping someone can help me out

I have a trailer with electronic brakes that has a 5-pin flat connector (the 5th pin is used to control the electronic trailer brakes). It is the same connection as this device has: http://www.denlorstools.com/shop/ima..._Tester_lg.jpg).

I have an 07 X5 that I am about to get the OEM hitch installed on by the dealer and had 2 questions:

1. What is the wiring receiver style used on the BMW hitch? I tried to find a picture of the receiver on the forums but failed. Is it the 7-pin RV-style like this: http://www.corndogg-offroad.com/trailers/7pinplug2.JPG ? A picture would be great if anyone has the hitch installed (I found plenty of pics but the dust cover is always closed hiding the pin layout)!

2. If it is a 7-pin female plug does anyone have experience with 7-pin to 5-pin flat adaptors like shown here: TRAILER RECEPTACLES AND PLUGS (Part# I-725) ?. My main concern is that the 5th pin being hooked up (I believe most people splice it into reversing lights on vehicle - but I am hoping maybe the adaptor already takes car of this) is necessary to turn the electronic trailer brakes off. Without it, reversing is impossible without overriding the braking mechanism manually.

I am destined to find out my answers soon (through a few reversing attempts after the hitch is installed) but my goal here is to find out if I need to give the dealer any special instructions on giving me this 5th wire capability.


Cheers,
Aaron