What Size Wire Gauge Should be Used to Extend the Power Wire for Trailer Wiring Harness # C56166

Question:

Good morning. I recently purchased this wirring kit for 2013 Rav 4. I have elected to run wire inside vehicle. My problem is, I will be about 2 ft. short of wire. My question is, what gauge wire is supplied with kit, as I will need to buy more and solder together to make it to battery. It appears to be 18 ga. but iam not sure, because there are no markings on the wire itself. I do not want to cause any problems by using to lite ofr heavey a gauge. This whole thing uis odd, as I should have had more than enough wire by running inside, because of the direct route I took. Had I went underneath, Im sure it would be more than 5 ft. short.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Typically, routing the power wire on the inside of the vehicle uses up more wire than routing it underneath. But either way you still need some extra wire so lets look at what you will need. You could get away with using a larger gauge, especially over such a short distance. But I would go ahead with some 12 gauge wire like # 12-1-1, sold in increments of 1 foot.

expert reply by: Michael H