To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
Great for cars and trailers with either LED or incandescent bulbs, this kit converts your vehicle's lighting system to match your trailer's. It includes a 4-way flat, wire taps, and a power wire that pulls power directly from your battery.
Features:
Specs:
Some vehicles operate on a 3-wire system, wherein the brake signal and the turn signals run on separate wires to illuminate different lights. (Typically, these vehicles have amber turn signals.) But most trailers run on a 2-wire system, which means the brake and turn signals travel along a single wire. You'll notice that, on your trailer, the brake light will flash for the turn signals.
If your vehicle operates on a 3-wire system, it will need to be converted so it will be compatible with the wiring system of your trailer. This is where a tail light converter comes into play. This converter lets you combine the brake and turn signal functions of your vehicle so they run on a single wire to properly activate your trailer's tail lights.
This particular converter also works with newer types of vehicle wiring, like PWM and multiplex. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is standard on European vehicles, and multiplex systems are common on newer vehicles.
LEDs require less power to generate light than standard halogen bulbs. For vehicles with LED tail lights, a connector like this one may be necessary to send more power through the wiring harness to light the trailer's signals fully.
This converter won't overload or cause damage to your system because it pulls power straight from your vehicle's battery. So you can be sure that your trailer lights will activate no matter what type of bulbs your vehicle has - or your trailer, for that matter.
| Wire Color | Wire Function |
|---|---|
| Green | Right turn |
| Brown | Tail lights |
| Black | Battery power |
| Red | Brake |
| White | Ground |
| Yellow | Left turn |
This kit comes with all the wiring you'll need to convert your vehicle's lighting system to match your trailer's. The powered converter box has splice-in wires on one end and a harness with a 4-way flat vehicle-end connector on the other. It also comes with a power wire that will connect to your battery so your electrical system doesn't get overloaded.
To begin the installation, use the included circuit tester to double-check the function of each wire on your vehicle's tail light wiring harness. The color/function of the splice-in wires on this converter may not match the color/function of those on your vehicle, so you'll want to be sure to check all of the wire functions first. Once you've figured out the functions of your vehicle's wiring, use the included quick-splice connectors to connect the corresponding wires on the trailer connector. Quick-splices, or "wire taps," offer a quick way to make connections without you having to strip and twist wires. Just place the wires in one of the taps and snap the cover down.
Using the included double-sided tape, stick the converter box to a flat surface inside your vehicle near the tail lights. It's helpful to clean the surface first so the tape can adhere fully.
Once the converter box is spliced in, you need to run the power wire up to your battery. Be sure to remove the fuse before connecting anything so you don't blow it! You can put it back in once everything has been installed. To hook up to your battery, you'll need to disconnect the negative cable from your battery and attach the power wire to the positive terminal with the included ring terminal. Finally, secure the converter wires to your vehicle using included cable ties.
Find a raw metal surface to use as a grounding point and secure the white ground wire using the provided ring terminal and a self-tapping screw. Cleaning the surfece before securing the white wire will ensure your converter is fully grounded. Finally, secure the converter wires to your vehicle using included cable ties.
Quick Tips:
California residents: click here
This universal kit was OK and fairly straight forward to install, One problem is that no one in my area would install it because the shops all said they only install plug and play wire harnesses and won't mess with tapping into the factory wire harness. The other problem I had on the self install kit was finding the correct wire harness to tap into. I installed this on a 2024 Lincoln Corsair Grand touring III. When I removed the R/R quarter panel trim there were tons of wires. I finally went on U-tube and there was a short tutorial on the wire harness and a color code of which wires to tap into. Not an easy install, and in my opinion, NOT a DIY job! It took me several hours to R&R, gather parts and tools needed, and figure things out and install. They really need to make a plug and play kit! Last but not least, this kit was more expensive than most plug and play kits.
After trying 119250kit in my 2019 Audi Q5 and having some issues with right turn not working I contacted William and he very helpful quickly issued a return authorization and recommended a different kit 119147Kit. Much easier to install and not having to remove the tailgate cover is definitely an advantage. Installing the kit was very easy and everything worked perfectly. Now I just have to wait for the credit of the first kit which according to UPS was also delivered to etrailer today April 7.
Everyone at etrailer was very helpful in helping me troubleshooting the first kit , unfortunately it didn’t work, the solution was to use the hard wired 119147Kit.
The signal input wires to the unit are 2 or three gauges larger than they need to be. As such they greatly mismatch the vehicle wire guage for splicing with the quick splicer. The large splice piece is thus easy to close without having gone through/made the connection with the vehicle wire.
Suggesting that one should test connection by two things: see if connector slides up/down on vehicle wire; use supplied test LED pencil on the splice/bridge piece inside before closing with various light scenarios.
Install requires 2 butt connectors for power/fuse line and comes with one. Large ring crimp ends for power and ground of useless red for 2 wire systems are acknowledged as too large and video shows how to make them small spade type. Just put smaller spade type ends in the kit.
2014 WRX wagon at taillight: WHT/RED = Turn signal
BLK/WHTstripe = Running light
BRN = Brake light
I mounted the modulator behind the left turn signal. I routed the power wire through the trunk via rubber access plug. I then fished the power wire under rear seat and stuffed it under plastic trim molding along the doors. I went behind left kick panel and then came out and ran it into the fender well, between the door and the fender, and up a structure tube into the engine compartment. The wire is safe from damage and will not be crushed by shutting the door because of the rubber door seal. I ran my XM ant. wire like this also and there are no negative consequences.
It feels heavy duty and is working exactly as it should. Easy wiring in my 2005 Passat TDI. The most difficult part was bring the 12ga wire from the battery to the rear of the vehicle. The effort was worth it; I have a professional looking install that works perfectly.
Eric P.
5/3/2014
The product works perfectly. A year later it still looks and works like a factory installed item.
My wife took this picture of my Son and I working on a truck the other day. We were installing electrical connections we had recently ordered from you guys for a truck that has a new hitch on it that also came from you guys. One of your boxes is in the photo. Figured you would appreciate it. I am sitting on the ground with my head up under the truck Good times!
[Thumbs up]
Everything fit perfectly and we (my wife and I) got it all assembled within a couple hours! (We haven't done the wiring yet. That will wait for another day.) Taping the washers to the frame, as was suggested in one review, was most helpful. It was only necessary when attaching the last end, because the bolts had to be pushed all the way back for that end to be put in place.
Robert W.
9/6/2023
It has performed as expected. No problems!
Mike L.
10/27/2023
You’re gonna love this! I put the hitch on my Corvette to haul a small luggage trailer on long trips. The hitch works great!
Excellent service dept. Helped me locate the correct wiring harness for my MB SUV. Haven’t had the install yet but they sent instructional videos- again excellent!
I found the 3 wires needed poking the tailgate brake light wires with a multimeter.
They’re located within that bundle of wires posted originally in the q5 video. Within that large bundle of like 20-30 wires, theres section of twisted wires that match colors to the tailgate brake lights exactly, 6 wires additionally taped within.
From what I have gathered testing with the hatch closed and blinkers on, right side (passenger side) is a light grey with a yellow stripe. the left (drivers side) is a black wire, grey strip. the tail light wire is solid grey per etrailers video. Seems to be the case for 2021, 2022, 2023 and the sq5
I purchased this for my Lincoln corsair. At this time, I have not had a chance to install it, but everything was as described on the website.
Had to install it on a 2023 Chevy Bolt EV. Couldn't find exact installation instructions but the instructions provided enough details on how to wire it. I was not sure if my vehicle was a 2 or 3 wire system so I had to call tech support and found out that a 2 wire systems means your turn and brake are powered by the same wire. Mine was so I was able to attached the red wire to ground. Also, had to run the power wire from the 12V battery to this, which meant feeding it from the front to the rear - it would have been nice to tap into power somewhere in the rear.
Watched the video yall had online, made install super easy, works great
I recommend the Tow-Ready 119147KIT instead of the Curt Model for a 2013 Prius. I had to return the Curt Kit because the running lights/tail light stayed on all the time even with the vehicle off. Sometimes there wasn’t a tail/running light on if you reset the converter by removing and re-installing the fuse. This Tow-Ready model works like it should. You'll need 12 gauge wire to run from the battery, (right side hatch area,) to this unit which will need to be mounted on the driver’s side, rear hatch. At the very top of the left rear tail light are covered wires going into a plug. The Blue is the Stop light and the Brown is the tail/running light. (Be careful since these wires are thin solid copper wires.) Left turn signal is the green/yellow stripe wire and on the right side rear lamp the right turn signal is also the green/yellow stripe wire. You will need to remove the left rear panel to get to the blue and brown wires. Remove the bottom tray cover, the bottom tray as well as the left rear plastic tray and the plastic bottom hatch trim over the latch assembly. Remove the Phillips screw on the left rear panel as well as the chrome tie down clamp. This sounds harder than it really is. Good luck!
Bbowl
6/23/2014
Thanks for the installation details. I also have a 2013 Prius and everything went a lot smoother with your information. I didnt even need a test light.
Kathy C.
6/27/2014
I agree - very helpful information on installing on a 2013 Toyota Prius. This told me which wire was which light and even gave helpful tips on removing the panels that I was sure I couldnt do, until I read what you wrote. Thank you so much- saved me lots of irritation.
Just completed the installation of the 119147KIT on a 2014 Lexus RX350 and it works great. Everything needed was included in the kit and the installation process was fairly easy. As always when I purchase items from e-trailer things fit and the right amount of supplies are included as well as installation instructions. i have always had excellent service from e-trailer and have great confidence in doing business with e-trailer. I know that i will get a great product with support, if needed, and always a follow up e- mail to see if everything was OK.
Great place to shop.
Hans H.
1/28/2017
This was installed on a Lexus that does not have the factory tow package. It work just fine and has had no negative effect on the vehicle. Note, I tow a very small utility trailer on short trips and wanted the lights on the trailer to work properly.
Parts fit perfectly and appeared to be good quality.. The video’s were so helpful when applying the products!!! Would highly recommend
My RX350 Lexus did not have a towing package, and I used this kit for getting all the trailer lights to work. It took me a little more time to make the electrical connections as I needed to probe individual wires to ensure I was connected to the correct wires. Once completed, everything worked fine and still does. Glad I did it.
Dave S.
7/6/2018
Still works.......
Hitch was a breeze using a lift. Wiring package typically comes as a plug-in. This package you need to solder wires and use wrap. Not an issue but for the price, should be a plug and play. Still give trailer hitch and wiring harness 5. Less than two (2) hours to install on '04 Porsche Cayenne S.
Rachael H.
8/13/2019
I checked the wiring harness options for your Cayenne, and at this time, there is not a plug in T-style wiring harness option available. This kit does include splice in connectors, but I understand the security of soldering your connection points.
I've had nothing but great experiences with etrailer in ordering and installing 2 hitches on my 2 MB SUV's, this was no different. Good product, easy to follow/logical instructions and excellent customer service
Adrian
7/7/2022
1 year on and still very happy with hitch and harness. Works perfectly towing my boat mostly - ab out 3100 lbs with the trailer
This kit is good, and very complete. It would benefit from some model specific instructions, like the trailer hitches come with. The average person with no automotive background CANNOT install this on a late model car. you need to know how to remove trim panels and components - which is easy with a little instruction!
Mike L.
10/9/2018
This particular wiring harness isnt a vehicle specific item, it fits many different vehicles so therefore itd be very difficult to provide vehicle specific instructions for the hundreds of vehicles that it can be used on. There are some installation videos linked above showing the harness being installed on a different vehicle. The actual step-by-step process shown in the videos would be different than the procedure for your particular vehicle, but the method used for testing that determines which taillight circuit controls which function would still be very helpful.
119147KIT Still working perfect on my 2007 XC70 super easy install with great instructions! Etrailer is the best! Unbelievable value and quality compared to OEM Volvo. THEY WANTED $300 bucks to accomplish the exact same task! Thanks etrailer!
Dave E.
1/27/2018
Still working Great after 1 Year
I haven't installed the hitch or the wiring harness as of yet as I only received everything Thursday in great shape I should add. The wiring looks a little complicated but like I said only yesterday I received it yesterday, but it pretty much looks straight forward.
Mike L.
8/19/2022
The installation isnt terribly difficult, its just a matter of using the included circuit tester to determine which of your taillight harness wires provides which function, then making the appropriate connections. Ill link to a typical installation video which should provide you with some direction. The wire color coding on your vehicle would likely be different from what the video shows, but the procedure would be similar.
Helpful Links
https:www.etrailer.comtv-install-tekonsha-trailer-wiring-2019-hyundai-tucson-119147kit.aspx
https:www.etrailer.comtv-review-tekonsha-trailer-wiring-119147kit.aspx
Wiring loom and controller come with everything required for installation and work well in the car. Instructions could be cleaner/clearer.
Yoram
11/1/2020
Reliable works fine 2 years later.
Quick delivery. Reviews had been read prior to order and consistent with reviews, lack of provided instructions . Weather currently prevents installation so critique can only extend to positive assessment of components received. Color coding obvious and similar to previous hookups I have done. Reviews said etrailer tech helped which I may require for one variation from previous trailer wiring experiences as I add this to my Volvo C30.
Mike L.
12/13/2018
This particular wiring harness isnt a vehicle specific item, so the instructions will be pretty basic. To see the manufacturer-provided instructions, click the link Ive provided.
Helpful Links
Instructional video was very helpful.
Do you have a question about this Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Brooke M.
4/9/2025
William is awesome - I am so happy he was able to help you get the kit in the mail! Would you have any install advice for the 11914Kit you could share with future shoppers?