Comparing Powered and Non-Powered Trailer Wiring Harnesses for a 2004 Nissan Xterra

Updated 03/17/2014 | Published 03/14/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

(380)

$48.21

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1670)

$73.55

Question:

My 2004 and a half Nissan Xterra is a base model with hand crank windows and no remote entry system. There is no tow ready plug above the passenger side frame rail. Some say I need the kit that runs a wire to the battery, but you also offer 119178 kit which does not, but issues a warning about factory specs. Id rather use the less expensive kit and do less work. What happens if the harness is not powered by the battery like other vehicles?

asked by: Greg

Expert Reply:

Powered converters like # C59236 for your 2004 and a half Nissan Xterra power the trailer lights using the vehicle battery and gets the signals needed from the tail light wiring. What this does is limit the power draw through the tail light wiring to better isolate the tow vehicle wiring and trailer wiring. So if there is an overdraw situation the chance of it damaging the vehicle wiring is reduced using the powered converter.

The non-powered harness # 119178KIT can still be used but you will not have that extra bit of security and will need to make sure that the amperage draw from the trailer lights does not exceed the capacity of the vehicle wiring system.

Running a power wire to the vehicle battery is not all that difficult, it just takes more time. If you do go with the powered harness, which is what I recommend, then you can use the help article I have linked with tips on routing the power wire.

expert reply by: Michael H