Wiring Harness is Needed to tow a Boat Trailer with Surge Brakes with a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
Updated 03/10/2014 | Published 03/08/2014
Question:
I have a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica that I added a tow receiver to. The car did not come with a tow package. What is the correct wiring system to allow me to tow a boat trailer with surge brakes? Do I need a brake controller?
asked by: Steve
Helpful Expert Reply:
You will not need a brake controller to tow a boat trailer with surge brakes. Surge brakes are actuated by an actuating coupler on the trailer, so all you will need is a trailer wiring harness for the lights and an electric lockout, if your actuating coupler has an electric lockout. You can tell if your actuating coupler has an electric lockout by looking at the trailer connector. If you have a 5-pin trailer connector, then you likely have an electric lockout on your coupler. If you have a 4-pin trailer connector, then you most likely do not have an electric lockout and would only need a wiring harness for the trailer lights. I attached a photo that shows the difference between a typical 4-pin and 5-pin trailer connector.
If your trailer has a 4-pin trailer connector, then I recommend installing the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness, # 118303. We have installed this on a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, so I attached the instructions and an installation video for you to check out. This is a plug-in style wiring harness that does not require any splicing into the existing wiring.
If your boat trailer has a 5-pin trailer connector, then you will still want to install the Tow Ready harness, but you will also want to install the Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Adapter, # 20036. The actuating coupler on your boat trailer has a reverse lockout solenoid (see photo) that is actuated by the reverse light circuit from your Pacifica so it releases the trailer brakes when you back up. The blue wire from the Tow Ready adapter will splice into the reverse light circuit on your Pacifica, which can be found at the back of your tail light assemblies. I recommend using a circuit tester, like part # 40376, to test for the reverse light wire before making any connections.
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