Does Installing Powered Taillight Converter on 2019 Ford Escape Require Connection to Battery

Published 10/26/2019

Question:

Will the trailer lights run on the plug and play alone or do you still have to run a line to the battery

asked by: Michael K

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha # 118802 T-One wiring harness requires both the inline connections between the vehicle wiring harnesses that feed the taillights and the taillight assemblies and the connection to the positive battery terminal.

The connection at the taillights provides the switching information, while the actual power is drawn from the battery via the connection to the positive terminal. This started being done several years ago when the vehicle manufacturers starting using thinner gauge wire for the taillight circuits, both as a weight and a cost-savings measure. The taillight circuits don't have enough capacity anymore to draw the power for both the vehicle and the trailer taillights through them.

Folks will frequently ask if they can simply connect the power wire to an alternative 12-volt source, like an outlet in the cargo area that's found in many SUV's. This isn't a good idea because having the power feed connected directly to the vehicle battery helps isolate the vehicle's sophisticated and expensive to repair electrical system from any short circuits that might occur in the trailer wiring. Getting power from any other source on the vehicle will negate that protection.

If you click the provided link, you can see the installation video.

expert reply by: Mike L