Does Trailer Wiring Harness for 2015 Kia Sportage Require Running Power Wire to Vehicle Battery

Question:

I am interested in purchasing your part number 118526 Tow Ready T-1 T-Connector - 4 Wire - Modu-Lite for my 2015 Kia Sportage and believe that I could manage the installation of everything short of the long wire the way up to the battery since I have no way to lift my car. My question is, that there is a 12v auxiliary outlet right in the back of the vehicle is there no way to use that to power the lights?

asked by: Dane N

Expert Reply:

Not all vehicles can handle the additional amperage draw of the trailer taillights on the vehicle taillight circuits. Those vehicles need setup that draws power from the battery. Some vehicles have higher rated circuits that can handle this, and others need to have the power drawn straight from the battery to protect the taillight circuits.

For your 2015 Kia Sportage you need to install a harness that draws power from the battery to protect the taillight circuits. For that you would need the part # 118526 . I also attached a help article on running the power wire for you to check out as well.

If you were to route the power wire to the auxiliary circuit of your vehicle it might work, but it also might draw too much power for the circuit and blow the fuse for it. It also will void the warranty of the harness if you did this so we can't safely recommend it.

expert reply by: Jameson C