Towing a Trailer with European Connector with a 2018 VW Passat
Question:
I installed the Curt C56388 on my 2018 Passat. How do I connect my trailer that has a european connector to it?
asked by: Malcom
Expert Reply:
The Curt wiring harness # C56388 is a standard 4-way connector that's commonly used in the United States. It powers the running, brake, and turn signals on a trailer. In order to connect your trailer with a European connector you'll need to replace the connector with a standard trailer side 4-way like part # HM38134. You'll need to determine which wires on the trailer are for each function and wire them into the new 4-way. On the 4-way the white wire needs to be grounded to a clean bare metal surface on the trailer's frame, the yellow wire goes to the left turn and brake lights, the green wire to the right turn and brake lights, and the brown wire is the running lights.
In the US most trailers have the turn signals and brake lights on a combined circuit. If your trailer has as separate turn sigals from the brake lights (which is pretty common on European trailers) you'll need to use a converter, part # C56196, to separate the wiring. On the input side the wire coloring matches that on the 4-way; the left turn and brakes goes to the yellow wire and the right side goes to the green wire. Then it's the same on the output side except the red wire is run to both brake lights and the other two go to their corresponding turn signals. I've attached a diagram that might help as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt 2 to 3 Wire Tail Light Converter
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Tail Light Converter
- Universal
- CURT
more information >
Hopkins Endurance Easy-Pull Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Connector - Trailer End - Jacketed - 48"
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
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