Why Does Power Wire of Trailer Wiring for 2017 Jeep Renegade Have to Run to Battery

Published 11/05/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(122)

$106.08

Question:

Will it be possible to use the cable that feeds the cigarette Lighter Socket instead of going all the way to the front to connect the battery positive post to feed the control box?

asked by: Ricardo

Expert Reply:

The reason you want to run the power wire all the way up to battery is so that you bypass all of the delicate wiring of your vehicle. The power wire is required on trailer wiring harnesses for some vehicles because the electrical system on those vehicles cannot handle the amperage draw associated with trailer lights. Powering the converter box with a power source that doesn't come from the battery would defeat this safety feature and would open the vehicle's wiring up to damage in the event of a trailer wiring short.

So while it's tempting to use an easier to access power source when installing the Curt # C56274 we have to recommend you run the wire to the battery.

expert reply by: Jameson C