Why is a Connection to Vehicle Battery Required for Trailer Wiring on a 2011 Subaru Impreza  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The 12 volt power wire on the Curt Custom Fit Trailer Wiring Harness, # C56111, is designed to provide power for the trailer stop, turn and taillights. This type of wiring harness is designed for vehicles that have sensitive circuitry and thinner wires that cannot handle the additional amperage draw that would be placed on them if trailer wiring was added.

The converter box will use the vehicles circuitry to sense when the vehicle brakes, turn signals or taillights are activated and the amperage draw from the trailer lights will be drawn from the vehicle battery, protecting the sensitive circuitry and wiring on the vehicle. It is also important to run the power wire directly to the positive post of the battery and not to any other power source on the vehicle, because it would put the vehicle circuitry at risk.

Your 2011 Subaru Impreza requires this type of wiring harness to protect the vehicle computers and ensure that no fault codes are detected by the system. We have an informational article on routing the power wire for trailer wiring, see link, that you may find helpful also.

expert reply by: Robert G

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