Recommended 4-Pole Wiring Harness for 2014 Jeep Compass

Updated 08/04/2016 | Published 08/03/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(58)

$62.33

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(89)

$70.39

Question:

We went through 2 converters very quickly... fist one went out due to trailer short, confirmed... 2nd one was installed by u-haul and towing a u-haul trailer... lasted 3 days and blew out.. not sure why they had to cut and tap wires into the oem harness on my jeep... both installed by shops... your system C56129 only requires to plug the converter plugs to the oem harness ... 2014 jeep compass... I was wondering if I added low amp fuses to my trailer wiring 3 and 6 amp if that would stop the converter from blowing out since this is getting old having to replace the converter constantly... the one installed by u-haul today caused all my jeep tail, break and turn signals to quit functioning or acting erratic and the smell of burning electrical was strong... I plan on buying your converter next week but still not sure why they cut my wiring harness, makes no sense.... I did immediately disconnected the unit, removed it and reconnected my lights back to the oem plugs and they all worked good again... went rounds with u-haul about this problem and am getting a refund for the converter and labor....$80.... since their trailer was the only one used for 3 day trip and caused the problem of it blowing out...

asked by: Howard H

Helpful Expert Reply:

Trailers can kill off a wiring harness if they present a short or if the total power demand from all the trailer lights exceeds the harness maximum output current. The folks at U-Haul ought to know the power drawn by their trailers' lighting set-up to prevent the latter problem from occurring. It sounds like they decided to use a hard-wired harness rather than either of the plug-n-play units we offer that are custom-fit for your vehicle.

Trailers can have intermittent shorting issues. If there is a worn/frayed wire that makes occasional contact with the frame, due to motion or vibration, this short may not show up when the trailer is stationary for testing but could arise when travelling. Check any trailer you wish to use for signs of damaged wiring before you connect it.

The two 4-pole wiring harnesses we offer for your 2014 Jeep Compass are both the powered type, which have a separate 12V power wire that must be run up to the battery + terminal. These are Curt # C56344 and Tow Ready # 118539. With such powered harnesses the actual current for the trailer lights comes from this black power wire. The idea behind this kind of design is that the (easily replaceable) harness will take the hit from a fault rather than the expensive-to-repair wiring in your vehicle.

I suggest that if you want to replace the harness that you use the Tow Ready since it offers a higher output capacity of 4.2 amps per stop/turn circuit and 7.5 amps for the running light circuit.

I linked for you a helpful article that will guide you in routing that one black 12V power wire for the converter, as well as an install video showing the process in a Jeep Compass.

I do not recommend altering any fuse values in your trailer or vehicle.