Wiring Solution For Trailer That Has Increased Amperage Draw and Blowing Fuses w/ 2005 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I bought this wiring kit and have used it for a year with a small utility trailer. Works great. I recently bought a pop-up trailer, and find that I blow the fuse if I step on the brakes when the running lights are also in use. I totalled up the amperage of all the running/stop/tail lights on the Jayco trailer and find that it draws 13.73 amps. I guess thats why it blows the 7.5 amp fuse supplied with this kit. The instructions warn not to put in a bigger fuse. Whats the solution? I called Honda, and the kit they sell for $169 also includes a 7.5 amp fuse.

asked by: Chuck

Expert Reply:

What you will need to do is upgrade the wiring for the trailer connector on your 2005 Honda Odyssey. You are drawing more amps than the capacity of the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring # 118438.

You will need to upgrade to the Tow Ready Heavy Duty Modulite, part # 119190KIT, which has a capacity of 15.9 amps. This wiring kit draws power directly from the vehicle battery via included fuse.

The reason there is a warning not to upgrade the fuse is because your wiring will not be able to handle the increase amperage draw. This could damage the wiring of the # 118438 and possible the wiring on your vehicle.

It sounds like your trailer has numerous running lights since there is so much amperage draw. Installing the ZCI Circuit Protecected # 119250KIT will solve the problem you are having.

I have linked instructions for the # 119250KIT.