Comparing Powered and Non-Powered Trailer Wiring Harnesses for a 2004 Nissan Xterra
Question:
My 2004 and a half Nissan Xterra is a base model with hand crank windows and no remote entry system. There is no tow ready plug above the passenger side frame rail. Some say I need the kit that runs a wire to the battery, but you also offer 119178 kit which does not, but issues a warning about factory specs. Id rather use the less expensive kit and do less work. What happens if the harness is not powered by the battery like other vehicles?
asked by: Greg
Expert Reply:
Powered converters like # C59236 for your 2004 and a half Nissan Xterra power the trailer lights using the vehicle battery and gets the signals needed from the tail light wiring. What this does is limit the power draw through the tail light wiring to better isolate the tow vehicle wiring and trailer wiring. So if there is an overdraw situation the chance of it damaging the vehicle wiring is reduced using the powered converter.
The non-powered harness # 119178KIT can still be used but you will not have that extra bit of security and will need to make sure that the amperage draw from the trailer lights does not exceed the capacity of the vehicle wiring system.
Running a power wire to the vehicle battery is not all that difficult, it just takes more time. If you do go with the powered harness, which is what I recommend, then you can use the help article I have linked with tips on routing the power wire.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- 1-1/2 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2015 Dodge Durango
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Search Results: i26
- Search Results: replacement side marker
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K
- Search Results: hitch
- Video: Best 2012 Volkswagen Passat Trailer Hitch Options
- Video: Curt Trailer Hitch Installation - 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Shop: Hopkins Active Tail Light Converter with Install Kit
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: hidden hitch
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2022 Chrysler Pacifica
- Q&A: Does Power Wire have to be Run to Battery to Install Trailer Wiring Harness on 2015 Ford Edge Sport
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Q&A: Does Curt Hitch for 2023 Toyota Sienna Allow Handsfree Liftgate to Function
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Search Results: 23021
- Search Results: curt spectrum
- Video: Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit Installation - 2016 Ford F-150
- Q&A: How To Run the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2019 Toyota RAV4
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
