Can Trailer Taillight Converter Power Wire Be Wired Into 12-V Socket in Back of 2015 Chevy Traverse

Question:

I have a 2015 traverse. I would like to install the c56181 wire harness. I realize that it has to attached to a 12 V power source via the battery. In the rear left panel of my vehicle I have a 12 V cigarette lighter power source could I splice the harness into that power source alleviating run directly to the battery

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

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. Short circuits in trailer wiring are very common, keeping the trailer wiring isolated from the vehicle will help prevent the wiring in your new Traverse from being damaged if a short circuit occurs in the wiring on the trailer. Trailer wiring is easy and inexpensive to repair, so is replacing a trailer wiring harness. The same can't be said for the factory wiring of your vehicle.

Long story short, I'd highly recommend installing the # C56181 wiring harness as outlined in the instructions. I'll link you to an FAQ article that addresses how to route the power wire to the front of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Mike L