| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8536694010 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8536694020 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3926903000 | Doc | 59.2% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3926909987 | Doc | 42.8% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3917400095 | Doc | 60.3% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3917390050 | Doc | 33.1% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Trailer Connector Plugs, Cables & Tester
Trailer connectors are essential components in establishing electrical connections between a towing vehicle and its trailer, facilitating the transfer of power for various trailer functions. They encompass plugs, cables, and testing devices, each playing a distinct role in a safe and functional towing setup.
Materials
- Plugs: Typically constructed from durable plastics (like polycarbonate or ABS) for weather resistance and impact strength. Metal components, often brass or copper alloys, are used for electrical contacts to ensure conductivity and corrosion resistance.
- Cables: Usually made with multiple strands of copper wire insulated with a flexible PVC or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) jacket. The jacket provides protection against abrasion, UV exposure, and the elements.
- Testers: Employ a combination of plastic housings, LED indicators, and internal circuitry for detecting electrical signal integrity.
Purpose
The primary purpose of trailer connectors is to reliably transmit electrical signals from the towing vehicle to the trailer. These signals power functions such as:
- Lighting: Brake lights, turn signals, running lights, and hazard lights.
- Braking Systems: Activation of electric trailer brakes.
- Auxiliary Power: Charging trailer batteries, powering interior lights, or operating other 12V appliances.
- Reverse Lights: Illuminating the rear of the trailer when the towing vehicle is in reverse.
Function
Trailer connectors function by establishing a series of electrical circuits between the towing vehicle’s wiring harness and the trailer’s wiring. The plug/connector itself provides the physical connection points for these circuits. The cable carries the electrical current, and the tester verifies that each circuit is functioning correctly. Proper connection ensures all trailer functions operate as intended, enhancing safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
Usage Scenarios
- Recreational Towing: Connecting campers, boats, and other recreational trailers to vehicles.
- Commercial Transport: Connecting flatbed trailers, utility trailers, and livestock trailers to trucks.
- Agricultural Applications: Connecting trailers used for hauling farm equipment or supplies.
- DIY Projects: Connecting custom-built trailers or modifying existing trailer wiring systems.
Common Types
Trailer connectors are categorized by the number of pins and the functions they support. Common types include:
- 4-Way Flat Connector: The most basic type, providing connections for ground, running lights, left turn/brake, and right turn/brake. Commonly used for small utility trailers and basic recreational towing.
- 5-Way Flat Connector: Adds a connection for electric trailer brakes, suitable for trailers requiring independent braking.
- 6-Way Round Connector: Adds connections for auxiliary power and a reverse light circuit, often used for boat trailers and larger recreational trailers.
- 7-Way Round Connector (RV Blade Style): The most common type for recreational vehicles and larger trailers, providing connections for all common trailer functions, including auxiliary power, brakes, and reverse lights.
- 7-Way Round Connector (Standard Style): Similar functionality to the RV blade style, but with a different pin configuration.
- 6-Pin Round Connector: Commonly found on European trailers.
- 8-Way Round Connector: Used for specialized applications requiring additional circuits.
Testing
Trailer connector testers are used to verify the proper operation of each circuit. These testers typically feature LED indicators that illuminate when a signal is detected. A faulty circuit can indicate a broken wire, a corroded connection, or a blown fuse. Regular testing is recommended to ensure safe and reliable towing.
Based on the provided information, the declared goods – trailer connector plugs, cables & tester – can be categorized as follows:
- 8536694010: This HS code covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Coaxial connectors; cylindrical multicontact connectors; rack and panel connectors; printed circuit connectors; ribbon or flat cable connectors. This includes plugs and sockets, potentially covering the trailer connector plugs. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff and a 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025.
- 8536694020: Similar to the above, this HS code also covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, specifically lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Coaxial connectors; cylindrical multicontact connectors; rack and panel connectors; printed circuit connectors; ribbon or flat cable connectors, but specifically identifies cylindrical multicontact connectors. This could apply to the trailer connector plugs if they are of this type. The total tax rate is 55.0%, with a 0.0% base tariff and a 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025.
- 3926903000: This HS code covers other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Parts for yachts or pleasure boats of heading 8903; parts of canoes, racing shells, pneumatic craft and pleasure boats which are not of a type designed to be principally used with motors or sails. If the trailer connector components are made of plastic and are used for pleasure boats, this HS code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 59.2%, consisting of a 4.2% base tariff and a 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025.
Regarding these HS codes, please note the need to verify the material composition of the trailer connector components. If the components are made of plastic, HS code 3926903000 may be relevant. Additionally, the additional tariff rates for HS codes 8536694010 and 8536694020 will increase to 30% after April 2, 2025.