Wiring a Powered Modulite Power Wire and Backup Lights on a 2007 Mazda 5 Towing a Trailer

Updated 06/03/2010 | Published 05/30/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

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ModuLite Installation Wiring Kit

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$19.20

1156 Incandescent Light Bulb - Single Contact Bayonet - 26.9 Watt - Soft White - Qty 2

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Question:

Have two questions: I have Mazda 5. 1. dealer installed powered 10 amp Modulite. Power wire with fuse to Modulite is hooked up somewhere to rear lighting. Is this correct? 2. Can trailer back-up light be hooked up directly to vehicle back-up light or I need to do some special hook-up?

asked by: Andrew M

Expert Reply:

If the dealer hooked up the trailer wiring harness on your vehicle then they must know of a circuit that provides enough amperage to power trailer lighting and not affect the vehicle wiring in any way, if there is an over draw or short. We recommend that the power wire from the item # C59496, be connected to the vehicle battery positive post to eliminate any chance of damaging the sensitive circuitry on the vehicle.

If you need to install a 5-Way adapter, item # 47515, to provide reverse lights or activate a boat trailer brake lockout function, you can splice directly into the back-up light wire behind the vehicle tail lights. As long as you do not draw more power on the circuit than two normal 1156 bulbs, # DI49VR, you will not have a problem. An inline fuse like the one included in the Modulite Installation Wiring Kit, item # 118151, would be a good idea to protect the vehicle against a short.

expert reply by: Robert G