Is Running the Modulite Power Wire Necessary when Installing # C56093 on 2013 Ford Explorer
Question:
I am wondering if the battery connection is required for C56093 on my 2013 Ford Explorer. The shop tech here at Worthington Ford in Anchorage, Alaska said there is plenty of power to the cars tail light plugs for trailer lights, and he did not recommend the battery power connection.
asked by: Bill
Expert Reply:
The battery connection is indeed required, in fact the trailer connector won't function without it.
To save money and weight, over the last 15 years the vehicle manufactuers have been using smaller gauge wire on the taillight circuits. In the past, when larger gauge wire was used, there was plenty of capacity to power taillight circuits using power tapped directly from the harness feeding the taillight assemblies. Now that smaller gauge wire is used, its safer for the vehicle and more efficient to get the signal from the taillight circuits, but get the power directly from the battery.
Getting the power directly from the battery also helps isolate the expensive circuitry of the tow vehicle from any short circuits that might occur in the trailer wiring. There might be a more expensive OEM Ford trailer connector that installs in another manner, but if the Curt # C56093 is used, it must be installed according to the linked instructions.
To see an install video or a help article that explains some strategies for running that power wire, click the provided links.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
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