Why is Powered 4-Pole Trailer Wiring Harness Necessary on 2016 Honda Accord with LED Lights

Question:

My 2014 Honda Accord Sedan trailer harness needed a wire run to the battery at the front of the car as I had LED tail lights. This was not as easy as it sounded. Nothing was mentioned in the description of the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan harness about this requirment. So, the need for the separate wire to the front of the car is no longer necessary and you just clickinch in, Right? Thanks!

asked by: Doug M

Expert Reply:

Some vehicles need a powered trailer wiring harness with a separate power wire (rather than the passive type that just plug-in) in order to protect the car's wiring. In the case of the 2016 Honda Accord sedan this is the type of harness required, either Curt # C56299 if you have the hybrid model or the # C56173 if you have the hybrid model. I linked an article with tips for routing that power wire.

The reason a powered harness is required is that the vehicle's internal wiring is of too light a gauge to handle the power drawn by the trailer's lights. The internal wiring is suitable for the low power required by the car's LED lights but it is not heavy enough to handle the trailer's power demands.

expert reply by: Adam R