Can a Non-Powered Trailer Wiring Harness be Used on a 2014 Ford Escape

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Question:

2014 Ford Escape I see the Curt wiring kits for this vehicle but I am questioning whether this simpler Hopkins HM 48895 would work just as well since I am installing new LED lights on my boat trailer? The new LED lights on my trailer are supposed to only require .259 amps for the Stop and Turn signals. The Curt kit requires a power line run back to the battery I think because of the older bulbs where the Hopkins kit just splices into the harness wiring at the back of the car. Am I completely wrong?

asked by: Robert M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I wouldn't say you are completely wrong. The reason that some vehicles require (or it is recommended) a powered trailer wiring harness is because modern vehicle wiring has become so then that it often times cannot handle the additional power draw from trailer lights. In other circumstances if the vehicle computer sense more draw than what its own lights draw it can cause error messages and might not allow the trailer lights to work.

A powered trailer wiring harness supplies the power to the trailer lights taking the burden off of the vehicle wiring. Even if you are switching the trailer to LED lights I would still recommend a powered harness for 2 reasons. First, you never know what you might tow. You may end up having to tow a trailer with regular incandescent lights in the future which could overdraw the vehicle wiring and damage something. And second, it is just better to err on the side of caution.

If it were me I would go with a powered harness such as # 118566 for the reasons above but it is up to you. I have linked a video showing an example installation as well as a help article I wrote with tips on routing the power wire.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

Powered trailer wiring harnesses are not tested or rated for any alternate installation method. Installing it by attaching the power wire to a power outlet 12 volt wire will void the warranty. Also many times those outlets are not the only component…

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Answer 2

Trailer wiring like the #C56106 that you reference attaches to the vehicle's battery directly as a way to bypass all of the vehicle's delicate wiring circuits to draw power for the trailer's wiring. If you ran the power wire to a circuit…

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Answer 3

With your 2006 Jeep Liberty, the factory tow package wiring is not easy to distinguish. If you have a factory 7-way that makes it easy as you know that the tow package wiring is there. The main difference between the tow package and no tow package is…

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Answer 4

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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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 7

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 8

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 9

I have attached a picture below of the Curt Hitch item #C26VV installed on a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. I really like this hitch because the crosstube installs behind the rear bumper leaving only the 2" receiver exposed. The Curt Hitch item…

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Answer 10

Yes! We have both a hitch and wiring for your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. Hitch - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C26VV Wiring - #C59236 If you are planning to do any towing, you can add the etrailer Ball Mount Kit #989900 to round out a tow package.

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Answer 11

For some reason Toyota isn't very forthcoming with how to figure out if you have the tow package or not. From my understanding all of the V6 models of the 2019 Toyota Highlander have the tow package but it isn't specified as to what else…

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Answer 12

Since your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander doesn't come with the factory tow package you need the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C79VV. The module plugs into that 10-Pin connector you found under the cup holder and then the 4-Way harness…

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Can a Non-Powered Trailer Wiring Harness be Used on a 2014 Ford Escape

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