Can Power Wire for ZCI Wiring Kit be Connected to Cigarette Lighter-Style Plug in Rear of Vehicle

Updated 01/02/2019 | Published 01/01/2019

Question:

Hi. You guys are great especially the videos. Just purchased this unit. I am installing it myself and was told that I do not need to run the black power supply cable all the way up to the battery. Instead, I can connect it into a Cigarette Lighter Adapter Power Supply Cordinch equipped with 15A fuse and wire ends that can be butted. I believe that outlet would be a constant 12V electric supply. This cigarette lighter type outlet exists near the ZCI module location in the back of my SUV, and would save me a ton of time, effort, and expense. Please let me know if this would work. Thanks,

asked by: George L

Helpful Expert Reply:

Although it *could* work, I have contacted Tekonsha about this very situation in the past and their response is to only run the black power wire on your ZCI # 119250KIT to the battery. Reason being that the black power wire is there so that your trailer wiring is drawing power directly from the battery so that it doesn't affect the OEM wiring on your tow vehicle.

A lot of 12V cigarette lighter-type outlets are meant for smaller accessories so if enough power is being pulled through it could overload that wiring circuit. Even though it is a longer process, routing the black wire all the way to your battery is the best, and safest, way to install the ZCI kit.

If you are doing this on your own I have attached a helpful article that gives pointers on how to route wiring up to a vehicle battery.

expert reply by: Jon G