Trailer Wiring Options for a 2005 Pontiac Vibe GT

Question:

I have a Pontiac Vibe GT 05 and I was wondering if this is the best kit to set my car up for a four prong trailer light hook up. Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - 118458 Does this prevent too much amperage draw from the trailer to my electrical system or is there something better I should get. Also is this the best thing and easiest thing for me to install in my car? Do I have disassemble a bunch of things or just pop the panels in the back and plug it in? Thanks,

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

There are 2 possible trailer wiring options for your 2005 Pontiac Vibe GT. The Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118458, that you have referenced would be the easiest to install. It has 3 sets of connectors and a ground wire. The 3 sets of connectors simply plug in line with your vehicle tail lights. The ground wire gets connected to a bare metal surface or existing ground point.

To get access to the connection points, you will need to remove the rear cargo area floor panel (as if going for the spare tire). There are also some access panels on the left and right sides that need to be removed. You are essentially just removing panels, routing wires, making the connections, and replacing the panels.

This harness does not include a powered converter. This means that all of the power to engage the trailer lights is coming through the tail light wiring. Tow Ready states for this harness, do not exceed the lower of towing manufacturer rating or the following:
Max. stop/turn light: 1 per side (2.1 amps)
Max. tail lights: (5 amps)

The other option is to use Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 55057. The difference is that this is a powered converter that requires a direct connection to the vehicle battery via the included in line fuse. This connection to the battery virtually eliminates the power draw from the tail light wiring.

The other connections at the tail lights will be the same. The hardest part of this is routing the power wire to the battery. But if you just avoid areas that may pinch or burn the wire, it will not be very hard at all. I have included a link to the installation details for reference.