Can Powered Taillight Wiring Harness Be Powered from Auxiliary 12V Outlet at Rear of Vehicle

Question:

instead of running a wire to the car battery ,can I plug into constant 12 volt plug at the tale gate for the module to my wiring harness to my trailer ?

asked by: Clay

Expert Reply:

You will want to run a separate 10-gauge wire for 12V power to your trailer wiring harness. The convenience outlet in your vehicle may not have enough current capacity to properly power the harness, plus the reason for using a powered converter in the first place is to protect your car's delicate wiring from damage due to shorts or overloads on the trailer. Its much cheaper and easier to replace a fried wiring harness than any of the wiring in your car. We've had reports from customers of failed harnesses when powered at a convenience outlet.

Powered taillight harnesses like # 118494 include a necessary wire, ring terminal and connectors to make this connection at the battery. The linked article explains how to route that wire from the rear of the vehicle up to the engine compartment.

expert reply by: Adam R