A wiring harness kit for trailer couplings electrically connects the trailer and the towing vehicle. Wiring harnesses are classified into 7-pin and 13-pin models. Both models are available as vehicle-specific or universal wiring harness kits.

Vehicle-specific wiring harness kit
A vehicle-specific wiring harness kit is customized to the particular vehicle type. It features the following advantages:

• Compact plugs can be connected directly to the vehicle-specific connector of the rear lights or to other predefined interfaces. Thus, the installation time is significantly reduced, and possible  mistakes concerning the connection are eliminated.
• Control devices, socket and passage grommet of the vehicle-specific wiring harness are exactly customized to the electronics of the vehicle supply system and the vehicle geometry. Length and installation of the cables have been developed to perfectly fit the particular vehicle. This guarantees short installation time and flawless functionality.
• The included installation material enables a professional installation and is suited specifically to the vehicle type.
• The installation manual clearly describes the installation kit at hand and all necessary work steps in text or picture.

Universal wiring harness kit
A universal wiring harness kit is applicable in different vehicle models and types. Dependent on vehicle dimension, an expert has to individually adapt the wiring harness to each vehicle. The universal wiring harness kit features the following attributes:

• An expert has to determine the vehicle cable to which the wiring harness can be connected via snap lock connector. While connecting, the expert has to consider the cable width to avoid cable damage.
• Control devices, socket and passage grommets are designed for a broad functional and geometrical area. Cable lengths are planned generously. Adaptations of the wiring harness kit by an expert may be necessary due to vehiclespecific features.
• The installation material covers every standard installation. Vehicle-specific requirements have to be supplemented by additional material.
• The installation manual describes a standardized installation procedure. Vehicle-specific features are not indicated separately. An expert should carry out theinstallation.

In the not-so-far future, trailers will face a few new challenges: They will be equipped with cameras and sensors which will transmit signals to the driver conveying information on the vehicle’s environment and condition. Of course, this requires connections and plugs between towing vehicle and trailer which are able to cope with digital data. ERICH JAEGER – the expert for trailer connectors – is already working on developing solutions for this future.

The High-Speed Interface data connector
To this end, ERICH JAEGER is working on a design study for a data connector - together with a renowned automotive supplier: Based on the proven connector systems for commercial vehicles, the ERICH JAEGER designers developed a connector for the quick transmission of digital signals. It features two shielded 2-pin data lines with a transmission rate of 1 Gbit/s. These data lines are surrounded by a number of power pins based on customer requirements, which can supply power to consumers in the trailer.

New connectors based on a proven system
As the development of the data connector system is based on proven systems by ERICH JAEGER, it also features the respective advantages: The extremely tough socket housing is easy to install and watertight according to IPX9K both plugged in and out.

Features of the HSI data connector:

• Two shielded 2-pin data lines
• Transmission rate of 1 Gbit/s based on 1000Base-T1-Ethernet
• Customer-specific power pins up to 20 Amp
• Double contact system for easy assembly and quick exchange of the socket
• Watertight both plugged in and out
• Easy installation
• Robust socket housing

ERICH JAEGER has been developing electronic components and control units for the interface between towing vehicle and trailer for over 30 years. In doing so, the company has helped to shape many of the development stages - from the introduction of the CAN-Bus technology in the 90s to the development of safety-related control devices according to ISO 26262 rated under the ASIL classification system for assessing safety risks.

We are specialized in control units of medium complexity with small to medium lot sizes and can refer to numerous development projects for customer-specific electronic components.

State-of-the-art Electronics Development
Our developments department is always up-to-date concenring industry-related standrads. Therefore, our processes are set up to meet the respective requirements:

• IATF 16949 – Production is covered by process-based approach to company procedures
• ISO 26262 standard on functional safety for road vehicles including the ASIL classification
• Software development conforms to Automotive SPICE model (latest version 3.1) as a process reference and assessment model
• ISO 14001 for production and development in accordance with environmental protection

ERICH JAEGER offers a broad range of connectors, cables and coils for commercial vehicles. Our watertight high-quality plugs and sockets withstand environmental impacts like high temperature and our cables as well as many of our components are ADR compliant. Out product portfolio includes a lot of different international industry standards.

15-pin 24V trailer connectors according to ISO 12098
The 15-pin connector is the modern system for the transmission of light and supplemental functions on 24V supply systems. It is available for normal and ADR applications. ERICH JAEGER offers sockets of the “JAEGER Expert” series, which are 100% watertight.

7-pin 12V ABS/EBS connectors according to ISO 7638-1
The ABS/EBS/ADR connectors are used on nearly every commercial vehicle type with ABS/EBS system. They are available for normal and ADR applications. ERICH JAEGER offers sockets of the “JAEGER Expert” series, which are 100% watertight.

7-pin 24V connectors for liftgates according to ISO 25981
These types of plugs and sockets can be used in the field of commercial vehicles for the wiring of tail lifts and loading lift systems. The connector system has been designed for electronically monitored charging systems.

7-pin 12V trailer connectors according to SAE J560
SAE J560 is the US standard describing electrical connections between truck and trailer (heavy duty vehicles). It includes primary connectors for lighting and auxiliary connectors for supplemental functions. ERICH JAEGER offers “JAEGER Expert” sockets, which are 100% watertight.

7-pin 24V trailer connectors according to ISO 1185 Type N
The 7-pin 24V system is currently the most common system for electrical connections between truck and trailer or semi-trailer. It is mostly used for applications with standard requirements. ERICH JAEGER offers “JAEGER Expert” sockets, which are 100% watertight.

At the end of the 80s, ERICH JAEGER in cooperation with major players from the automotive industry developed the 13-pin 12V connectors system. Due to higher requirements on the connection between trailer and car, the prevailing 7-pin connection had to be optimized. The new 13-pin system allowed for the transmission of all lighting function and additional electrical functions with only one plug.

The current 100% watertight 13-pin 12V connector system by ERICH JAEGER sets the standard in this segment. It follows our philosophy that we make connections between vehicles and trailers easier and safer. The sophisticated double contact system in combination with the primary and secondary lock and the individual wire seals effectively avoids water ingress into the vehicle board system. Even under the most extreme conditions, the system provides 100% water-tightness. The connector system meets all requirements of original equipment manufacturers in the automotive industry such as the protection IPX7 (waterproof up to 0.5m depth) and IPX9K (protection against water during high pressure-/ steam jet cleaning). In addition to the water-tightness, our 13P/12V system has greatly simplified the installation options (Plug & Play).