Can the 12 Volt Power Wire from a Trailer Wiring Harness Tap Into a 12 Volt Accessory Outlet
Updated 05/12/2014 | Published 05/09/2014
Question:
Im planning to install a Curt hitch C110721 and wiring kit 56146KIT in a 2010 VW Jetta Sportwagen, and I have a question about powering the wiring. I have heard of people taking power for the wiring from the 12V car lighter socket in the trunk area, rather than running the power wire back to the car battery. Can you comment on this option for the 2010 Jetta Sportwagen, and if it is a reasonable option, can you recommend any parts that would help me adapt the power wire to connect it to 12V trunk socket? Thanks!
asked by: Greg F
Expert Reply:
I strongly recommend running the 12 volt power wire from the Curt Wiring Harness, # C59496, directly to the vehicle battery. The 12 volt accessory circuit was not designed to support the additional load of a trailer wiring harness. A wiring harness must have its own dedicated circuit directly to the battery. We have seen many instances where customers have tapped into a 12 volt accessory circuit, like a car lighter socket, and the harness failed. We have also seen instances where the accessory circuit on the car failed in addition to the trailer wiring harness. Also, this will typically void warranties both with the wiring harness and on the vehicle.
We understand that running the 12 volt power wire can be a more time consuming task, so we wrote a help article on tips for running this power wire. I have attached the article for you to check out. On your vehicle, there is a grommet in the bottom of the spare tire well in the trunk. You can run the power wire through that grommet up to the battery. Be sure to avoid any moving components such as suspension or steering. You will also want to avoid any areas that get excessively hot.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Powered Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Splice-In
- CURT
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