Installation of 4-Pole Trailer Wiring Harness for 2008 Jeep Compass

Question:

Will this work for a 2008 jeep compass? I like this one because you do not have to run a wire directly to the battery. Thanks

asked by: Lucas

Expert Reply:

The 4-pole trailer wiring harness kit made for your 2008 Jeep Compass, parts # C55050 from Curt, is powered-type harnesses that do require a direct battery connection for powering the converter and the trailer's lights. The kit # 118425 that you referenced, which fits only the Jeep Grand Cherokee, cannot be used on your Compass because it would not provide the protection for your car's wiring that these other harnesses do. Here is why.

The internal wiring in the Compass is much lighter in gauge than that in the GC. This is why the GC can use a non-powered harness but the Compass can't. You would be risking both overloading the car's wiring and risk damage from any short that might occur on the trailer. It is much easier to install the harness power wire than it is the tell your significant other that a simple short-circuit on your trailer made toast of your car's wiring. That can be very costly to repair. Between the two harness I suggest the Curt since it offers a higher current output capacity.

We have a help article, linked to this page, that will guide you in the installation of either of the appropriate wiring harnesses. The installation is all plug-in except for the one power wire.

expert reply by: Adam R