Installation of Wiring Harnesses on 2-Wire Systems That Can Also Work With 3-Wire Systems

Published 03/05/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Active Tail Light Converter with Install Kit

(91)

$67.45

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

(141)

$165.25

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3399)

$109.71

Question:

Thank you for the reply. I watched the video and see the Heavy black wire the Hot lead from the battery. I had the 2 kits and took the truck in. The installer didnt know what to do with some of the parts so he mixed and matched. My module had a second number on it also (Ican provide) but the main part of the kit contained 3 cicuit breakers, not a fuse holder 50amp, 35amp, and one other laying around here somewhere. Do you have the instructions for installing that (older) kit. I assume you just pick one of hte breaker loads you feel comfortable with and place it near the battery. I believe it was a combined brake wire kit also. The fuse was used on the car. I wanted to be sure the 3 amps available do not apply to any brake part of an installation kit or if in fact at one point that you chose one for the kit and another amp for the break install. Now that I have brought up the amps I hope you can provide me the kits original install instructions. Thank you

asked by: Alsn

Expert Reply:

I was able to find the harnesses you ordered from your email address given. The Hopkins Active Tail Light Converter with Install Kit # 46255 is for lighter duty applications and comes with a 14 gauge lead wire versus the 10 gauge wire you mentioned.

The Upgraded Heavy Duty ModuLite Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness with Install Kit # C59496 is also able to be used on either light duty applications but has the thicker gauge wire for heavy duty applications as well.

Both of these ModuLite converters can be used for either a 2-wire or 3-wire application. This means if you have a combined turn and stop wire at your tail lights then you would not use all the wires of the ModuLite. You would not use the Red (brake wire) because that signal is captured on the turn signal wires on your vehicle. With your older vehicle, you don't need to worry about Multiplexed systems as outlined in the installation details. Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S

Alan

3/5/2018

Jason S.

3/5/2018

It sounds like you have a universal brake controller kit like # ETBC7. That kit comes with a 20 amp, 30 amp, and 40 amp circuit breaker. Normally we recommend the 40 amp for the direct line to the 12V output at your 7-way and the 30 amp for the power running to your brake controller. You can use the 20 amp for your 4-way wiring harness if you desire as additional protection. I've attached a video installation to assist.