I think I have answered my own question, by doing more research.....

Vanagons do not use a standard 4-wire-flat connector for powering a utility
trailer lampset. Why?

The 4-wire-flat connector is designed for vehicles that have a common brake
and turn signal light - we don't, of course - we have independent bulbs for
brakes and turn signals.

The upshit of this is, is that I now have to spend $36.00 on a unversal
tailight converter. This is supposedly an active device.

Anyhow, Princess Auto - here I come!

Phooey.

Cheers!

Marshall Ruskin
-----Original Message-----
From: Marshall Ruskin <mruskin@pangea.ca>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Saturday, August 26, 2000 9:43 PM
Subject: Simple Question about trailer wiring

>My Trailer lamp kit has some instructions I would like the list to clarify,
>if possible.
>
>The illustration shows: From the vehicle  - the brake and LH turn signal
>power are on *one* wire to the LH trailer lamp, and same thing on the RH
>side.
>
>To me, I can only interpret that as meaning that I basically have to
connect
>the high side of each turn signal and the brake light to the wire leading
to
>each sides trailer lamp.
>
>This "gives me the willies". (How does turn signal work during braking,
>exactly?)
>
>Am I correct - is this the correct way to wire up a trailer lampset - or
>should I do something else?
>
>TIA
>
>Marshall Ruskin
>84 Westy "Leader of the Pack"
>Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
>Founding Member of "Vanagon's Anonymous"
>