Wiring For the 2011 Jetta TDi Sedan for Towing a Trailer with Reverse Lights and Electric Brakes

Question:

Does this product come with a bypass? Im not sure what a bypass is, but I was told by another vendor that I needed a bypass? Also, I would like to pull a trailer with a reverse light and electric breaks. What do you recommend? Thanks

asked by: Jaron

Expert Reply:

The bypass that you mentioned is most likely the power wire that allows this harness to draw power directly form the vehicle battery and eliminate the possibility of overloading the sensitive circuitry and computers on your 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The wiring harness, # 118572, is designed to work with your vehicles electrical system and does have the separate 12 volt power wire to protect your vehicle wiring.

To tow a trailer with reverse lights you would need to use the Universal Power Converter 5-Way Flat and Circuit Protection with Hardwire Kit and Tester, # 119177KIT. This 5-Way wiring kit has a reverse light circuit that protects the wiring and circuitry on your Jetta.

The 2011 Jetta does not have a dedicated brake signal for installation of an in-cab brake controller. You should check the towing capacity of your Jetta and the hitch you have installed and make sure that the trailer you plan to tow is within the limitations of your towing setup. If you find that it is, you could go with a trailer mounted brake controller like the Prodigy RF, # TK94FR. This system would require a constant 12 volt power wire at the trailer connector, most likely a 6-Way, # A10-6034VP or 7-Way, # 37185. The RF brake controller would mount to the trailer frame. You would use the wireless in cab controller to setup the controller and apply the trailer brakes manually when needed.

To wire the constant 12 volt power wire on your Jetta you would need a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540, and an appropriate length of 10 gauge wire, # 10-1-1. Install the circuit breaker inline on the power wire from the battery positive post to the correct location in the trailer connector you choose.

Once you have the 5-Way kit installed you would need to sever the blue backup circuit wire form the 5 way and splice that wire to the reverse light wire from the 6-Way or 7-Way connector that you choose. The 5-Way connector should still be able to be plugged into the adapter harness 4-Way connector but some modification of the connector may be required.