Can 12V Accessory Power Outlet Be Used to Install Powered Trailer Wiring Harness

Question

Question:

Hi - instead of running the power lead under the car to the battery, can I splice into an existing circuit in the back there is one used for a 12v outlet. Thanks,

asked by: Jim

0

Expert Reply:

A 12-volt accessory power outlet such as that on your 2015 Volkswagen Golf is not suitable for installing a trailer wiring harness. It is intended for use with low-current-demand non-critical accessory items like emergency lights, phone chargers, etc.

The power for an active trailer wiring harness like the Curt # C59236 needs to come directly from the battery.

Most importantly, using the outlet would negate the benefit of using a powered converter whose key purpose is to isolate your car's wiring from any potential faults, shorts or overloads from the trailer wiring. Also there is always the risk of that connector becoming dislodged which would kill your trailer lights without you knowing it.

Running that power wire is not too difficult but we do have an article that offers plenty of guidance; this is linked for you.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

Depending on how the trailer was made, there will be a few spots you can check to identify the axle. First, if the trailer was pre-made by a specific company, you may be able to find this information in either the paperwork or on a placard somewhere…

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Answer 2

The best way to determine which hub assembly you will need is by the bearing numbers. The item you selected, Trailer Hub Assembly, part #8-258-5UC1, is a replacement hub which uses Inner and Outer Bearing #L44649. The bearing numbers will be stamped…

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Answer 3

The best way to determine which replacement hubs you need for your trailer would be to remove one of the hubs and retrieve the bearings. Find the numbers stamped into the bearings and with those we will be able to get you the correct hubs. If you are…

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Answer 4

The 30205 bearing that you referenced has an inner diameter of just under 1 inch (0.985 to be exact). We do not have this particular bearing or a hub that uses this size bearing available. The #L44643 bearing that you also mentioned has an inner…

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Answer 5

I strongly recommend running the 12 volt power wire from the Curt Wiring Harness, #C59496, directly to the vehicle battery. The 12 volt accessory circuit was not designed to support the additional load of a trailer wiring harness. A wiring harness…

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Answer 6

The bearing that you have on the trailer hub measures just under 1 inch (0.985) and we are not going to have a hub that accepts a bearing with an inner diameter of that size. This is common for the trailer kits like the Haul Master branded trailers.…

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Answer 7

Only the battery should be used when installing any type of powered trailer wiring harness. Part of the reason is that it is not tested in any other way. A connection to the battery is reliable but going through some other circuit could lean to…

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Answer 8

There usually is a reason why a powered converter is used in the wiring system of a vehicle. When a powered converter is used, it is usually because your vehicle's wiring will not provide enough electrical power to handle the additional…

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Answer 9

We do not recommend using the 12 volt power outlet in the trunk area for connection of a powered circuit protected wiring harness, like the Curt Hardwire Kit, #C59236, which includes the wiring to the battery. The purpose of the power wire is to…

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Answer 10

The trailer wiring harness manufacturers design the powered converters so that the draw their 12-volt power directly from the vehicle battery for a very good reason. Doing so keeps the vehicle wiring fully isolated from the wiring of the trailer.…

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Answer 11

After reviewing the notes on your order I see that you now have the correct Curt T-Connector Wiring Harness specifically fit for your 2012 Hyundai Tuscon, #C56348. The Curt T-Connector 55528 that you referenced is considered a fit for Hyundai Tuscons…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Can 12V Accessory Power Outlet Be Used to Install Powered Trailer Wiring Harness

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