Does Power Wire of Trailer Wiring Harness Need to Run to Battery on 2016 Chevy Malibu

Question

Question:

HI Clark, Seen this and thank you! But I have to ask? This trailer is a small 4 x 8 utility trailer. Use it maybe 5 times a year to carry small items. Can I still just hook directly in back for the lights wo/ having to add this harness you recommended? Regards

asked by: Larry S

0

Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Chevy Malibu LT the Tekonsha kit part # 118689 is the correct fit and best option. It does need a power wire ran to the front of the vehicle though.

Not all vehicles can handle the additional amperage draw of the trailer taillights on the vehicle taillight circuits which is the case if the trailer harness does not have a power wire. Those vehicles need setup that draws power from the battery. Some vehicles have higher rated circuits that can handle this, and others need to have the power drawn straight from the battery to protect the taillight circuits.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Larry S.

9/5/2019

HI Clark, Seen this and thank you! But I have to ask? This trailer is a small 4 x 8 utility trailer. Use it maybe 5 times a year to carry small items. Can I still just hook directly in back for the lights wo/ having to add this harness you recommended? Regards

Jameson C.

9/5/2019

Even if the trailer is smaller the lighting amperage draw is going to be the same as a larger trailer since lighting is rarely different from a small trailer to a larger trailer. They normally use all of the same styles of taillights so you would still need to use a powered harness. I know the routing of the power wire seems like it might be a hassle but it does give you the peace of mind that you aren't going to damage the vehicle wiring at any point.

Ken R.

5/4/2020

2016 Malibu PremierIf youre using a trailer infrequently, could getting a separate battery and place it in a container in the trunk on a as needed basis simplify the wire installation?Is there a battery powered remote system for operating the lights on the traler that requires no wire connection ?Thanks

Chris R.

5/7/2020

You could potentially add a separate battery for use with the trailer wiring harness, but this would require extra cost and you'll also need to make sure the battery stays properly charged. Any battery type light setup would still require some kind of connection to your Malibu so that the signal lights operate properly.

Answer 1

The Curt T-Connector #C56313 is designed to work on the Premier Trim of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. For your Malibu LT I recommend the Curt T-Connector #C56387. This one is confirmed to fit your vehicle and work with the options that are included.

view full answer...

Answer 2

Hello William, The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #C56387 that you were looking at is trailer wiring for if you want to pull a trailer with your Malibu. In order to tie into your 2024 Chevrolet Malibu while…

view full answer...

Answer 3

I looked at the owner's manual for your 2018 Chevrolet Malibu and it states that the trailer should never be heavier than 1,000 pounds. It goes into more detail that other factors can influence the capacity (such as speed, altitude, temperature,…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 7

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

view full answer...

Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 11

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

view full answer...

Does Power Wire of Trailer Wiring Harness Need to Run to Battery on 2016 Chevy Malibu

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching