Why Are Some 4-Pole Trailer Wiring Harnesses Stored in Vehicle When Not Being Used

Question:

I went to a uhaul facility and the put my wire hook up to trailer in my rear well instead of on outside so now i have to close my back door right on my wires!! They said thats the only way it could be done

asked by: Joanna

Expert Reply:

Actually, for a smaller vehicle that isn't used for towing continuously the way they installed it is exactly how the manufacturer of the trailer wiring harness recommends doing it and exactly how we would have done it.

The rear hatch/trunk/liftgate has plenty of thick rubber weatherstripping around it, and as long as you keep the wires away from the latch, it will not crush or damage the wires and will work perfectly for you. The trailer connector will stow in the cargo area of the vehicle, safe from the elements and from damage until it's needed as shown in the linked video.

The trailer wiring harness I had on my old minivan was installed in this manner, and it worked perfectly for years.

expert reply by: Mike L