Installation Instructions for T-One 118754 Explained for a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Updated 06/15/2018 | Published 06/14/2018

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Powerbuilt Trim Pad Remover

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Loctite RTV 598 High-Performance Silicone Gasket Maker - Black - 2.7-Fl Oz Tube

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Question:

This kit is very frustrating. The instructions are not detailed at all. There was no information given on how to hide the wires inside the vehicle. Am I supposed to take panels off? Which ones? What tool? The pictures do not help at all and there are no videos available that I can find online of this install. Also, there was no instruction how how to get the black wire outside, under the vehicle, and to the battery. I tried on my own but I cant see a way to attach it under the vehicle on the 2018 Atlas. How do you do it? Also, the wire is going to be about 1.5 feet short to even get there. How do I get it through the firewall?

asked by: Ben S

Expert Reply:

We certainly understand how frustrating manufacturer's installation instructions can be which is why we shoot our own installation videos and take our own install photos. We haven't had the chance to install a trailer wiring harness, like the T-One Harness # 118754, on a 2018 VW Atlas yet so I don't have any specifics for your vehicle, but I'm happy to give you some tips to clear up as much as possible.

Up until Step 6 or "Routing the Green Wire" the instructions are pretty clear. To route the wiring you almost always have to remove the rear threshold panel which is usually help on with clips and possibly some screws or threaded anchors. You can use the Trim Panel Remover # ALL648544 to help remove the pins and the Trim Tool Set # ALL647989 to help remove panels that are tight or long pieces that wrap from one side of the vehicle to another. Sometimes the trim can be lifted enough to simply push the green wire under the panel but in some cases the whole panel must be removed.

Once the green wire is routed and connected we have to route the black wire to the front of your vehicle. This can be accomplished a few different ways but the easiest way is to look for a grommet under the rear cargo area carpeting. Sometimes a factory wiring harness will run through the underbody, through a grommet, and into the rear cargo area for the rear hatch or lights. If you can find a grommet then you can poke the black wire through and route it up to the front of your vehicle. For instances where a grommet cannot be found you can either drill a hole in the back to route the wire through or go ahead and run the wire to the front of your vehicle and drill a hole there. After drilling a hole you need to seal the hole with RTV Silicone # LT37467

Some vehicles have plastic appearance panels or wind deflectors under the vehicle that can make it difficult to route the wire up to the battery. These panels are usually held on with screws, so if you do have the panels they can be easily removed to allow you to run the wire above the panels rather than below. Be sure to avoid any hot or moving object such as suspension or exhaust. Zip ties can be used to ensure that the wiring stays in place. I've attached a help article we created on Tips for Routing a Power Wire for you to check out. Hopefully that helps.

expert reply by: Jon G