Why Does 4-Pole Wiring Harness Need Direct Battery Power Connection

Updated 05/30/2019 | Published 05/28/2019

Question:

Is there any reason not to or precautions in getting power from accessory plug above the jack storage instead of running to the battery?

asked by: Steven W

Expert Reply:

You do need to make a direct wired battery connection for a powered wiring harness like # 118498 because the small accessory 12V convenience outlets provided in vehicle do not have a high enough current rating to power the harness and all of the trailer lights. These handy outlets are great for things like charging a cell phone but they can't deliver the current needed to power trailer lights.

The other concern is that were the plug-in connection to that outlet to come loose you would lose all the trailer lights and you might not even know it for a long time. This is a good question, however, and it does come up fairly often.

You only need to route that one power wire and you can refer to the linked article for tips on doing so.

expert reply by: Adam R