Why Does Trailer Wiring for 2023 Ford Maverick Require Running Wire to Battery

Question:

I just bought a 2023 Ford Maverick. I intend to install a tailer hitch receiver from etrailer, and of course I will need to provide an electrical connection for trailer lights. However, the only trailer I forsee pulling is a 4x8foot utility trailer. It has tail lights, stop lights, license plate light, and two side running lights. Realistically, is a converter with direct connection to the battery actually needed? Why isnt the circuit going to the rear lights of the Maverick sufficient? If I hitch a travel trailer to the Maverick, I could see your point - sort of. That is, I might want to draw battery power from the vehicle to interior lighting, etc., for the tailer. Otherwise, isnt this just overkill?

asked by: Jay L

Expert Reply:

Newer vehicles have much more delicate taillight circuits than older vehicles which is why they can't handle powering additional trailer taillight circuits. This is why the harnesses that fit your Maverick like the # 119147KIT require running the power wire up to the vehicle battery. So what this does is use your taillight circuits as signal wires and then draws the power for the lights from the battery instead protecting the taillights.

expert reply by: Jameson C