Is A Separate Power Wire Needed When Installing Hopkins Wiring Harness # 42475 On 2003 Jeep Liberty

Updated 01/19/2011 | Published 01/17/2011

Question:

The Hopkins Plug-In Simple connector #42475 no longer requires a separate lead to the battery for my 2003 Jeep Liberty. Is there sufficient power provided by the Jeeps wiring harness to support the trailers lights? Is there any concern that hooking up the trailer will damage the electrical system in the Liberty due to excessive draw? Thank you for a TERRIFIC website!

asked by: Bob R

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins Plug in Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 42475, is the wiring harness you will need for your 2003 Jeep Liberty. You are correct that the # 42475 wiring harness no longer requires a separate lead to the vehicles battery.

I spoke with my contact at Hopkins and he said that the Jeep Liberty never really needed the separate power wire originally, but they decided to be on the safe side and to recommend it. They did further testing and found out that the Jeeps wiring harness was able to supply the power for the trailers lights, so they revised the part and now they do not require a separate power wire to the battery. Hopkins has just not updated their installation instructions for the wiring harness.

I am including the installation instructions for the Hopkins # 42475, but remember that step 13, about the power wire, can be skipped.

expert reply by: Jeff D