Can 12 Volt Outlet be Used to Power Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan

Updated 08/08/2017 | Published 08/07/2017

Question:

I would like to know if I can connect your vehicle wiring harness trailer connector for my 2014 VW Tiguan directly to a 12volt cigarette type power plug in the back of the Tiguan cargo area. If this can be used, what will happen when I unplug after towing? Will my Tiguan tail and brake lights still work? Thank You

asked by: George C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Trailer wiring harnesses that require a direct connection to the vehicle battery, such as # 118675 for the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan, must only be connected to the battery.

There are a few reasons for this. First, if installed in any other manner other than what is outlined in the instructions will void the warranty. Second, the idea of getting power from the battery is to minimize the amount of draw on the vehicle electrical system. Should there be a catastrophic short there is less chance of it damaging anything on the vehicle this way. Third, it is possible that the 12 volt outlet is not the only item on that fuse. So what can happen is that circuit could be overloaded causing the trailer lights not to work. The vehicle lights would be unaffected.

Running the power wire to the battery just takes a little more time but isn't difficult. I have included a link to a help article I wrote with tips on routing the power wire.

expert reply by: Michael H