Does Curt T-Connector C56355 Need To Be Wired Directly To The Battery?

Question

Question:

Someone in the reviews above said he didnt run the wire to the battery because he wasnt using the trailer brakes. Will it still work fine without that extra power? And would I be okay doing it this way, too, as Im only feeding two LED tailer lights and have no brake assist? Ive had my wiring a couple weeks but havent installed yet because Im not looking forward to that one step.

asked by: Randall

0

Expert Reply:

Hello Randall, thanks for reaching out. The 4-pole T-Connectors like the Curt # C56355 are for brake lights, taillights and turn signals. This has nothing to do with the trailer brakes, so I am not sure what the person who left that review was referring to.

Running the black wire to the battery is a necessary step. The converter module needs a direct 12v power source, and the only way to get that is to go directly to the battery. We get asked this a lot because just like you, a lot of people want to avoid it. And I get it. It is definitely the hardest part of the wiring install, but it is required. An extra pair of hands, and a tool for pulling wire will help a lot.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Leave a reply below and I will get back to you.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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Randall

3/21/2025

Thank you for the reply. I went ahead before hearing back hooked the plug up to see for myself, and you are absolutely correct that it needs that power supply. I did however avoid running that wire all the way to the battery by hooking into the 12v power outlet that close to the right rear light connector plug. That did save a lot of extra work and time, and it’s working flawlessly. I understand some Volvos do not have the rear power outlet, but all of them are wired for it. This might have been my easiest hitch/ light install yet, thank you. Randall

Reply

Jesse M.

3/21/2025

@Randall Oh cool glad to hear you got it working. I have heard of people drawing power from the 12v outlet in the rear of the vehicle, and while we generally do not recommend this, it can work. Do feel free to come back anytime you need anything.

Reply

Manny

5/26/2025

Would it be possible to connect it to the pre-wired 12 V source that the Volvo OEM trailer hitch module would be wired to?

Reply

Jesse M.

5/27/2025

@Manny I still have to recommend wiring straight to the battery as per the instructions, but if that 12v source has a constant 12v it should be fine. If the 12v power at that source is not constant it should not be used.

Reply

Answer 1

Hey Luis, for your 2017 Volvo XC60 we have the Tekonsha 4-way part #118739 as our best option. This installs easily and comes with the most reliable converter box so it's the best way to go. Are you towing a camper?

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Answer 2

Hey Graham, the Draw Tite hitch part #DT77YR does require drilling as it attaches to the bottom of the frame of your 2021 Mercedes GLB but the Oris TowSmart hitch part #TS26VR does not as it installs basically behind the bumper beam. Both hitches…

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Answer 3

Yes, the Curt Class III Receiver Hitch #13268 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit your 2017 Volvo XC60. This 2 inch receiver has a tongue weight capacity of 400 pounds and gross towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, although you will also want…

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Answer 4

I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #13268 for your 2017 Volvo XC60. This receiver is made in the USA and has a 2" opening for ball mounts and other hitch mounted accessories. For towing a trailer you will need a kit like the etrailer…

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Answer 5

I recommend the Draw-Tite receiver, part #76116, for your 2015 Volvo XC60 T6 R-Design. The R-Design model likely requires you to remove and trim the rear bumper cover but it's still going to fit. I've lined a video that shows the installation…

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Answer 6

The #118739 Tekonsha T-One harness and #C56355 Curt T-Connector harness are both custom fit for the 2017 Volvo XC60. The installation is the same for both. The Curt has a powered converter using SMT and the Tekonsha has a powered ModuLite converter,…

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Answer 7

Hey Rick, We do have a hitch and wiring option for that XC40 Recharge. For the hitch I recommend the Curt #C82ZJ. This is a 2" hitch with a 600lb tongue weight capacity and 4,000lb towing capacity. Simple installation considering it is a no…

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Answer 8

For the most part the Curt #13268 and the Draw-Tite #75671 and #76116 are going to be the same hitch; they're all square tube designs and provide you with a 2" receiver. I generally prefer Curt hitches when available since we've found…

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Answer 9

It's really pretty hard to pick between the three hitches that are available for your 2011 Volvo XC60 as they are all very similar in all of the important criteria. The prices are very close, the capacities are the same, the designs are very…

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Answer 10

The Ram OEM 5th wheel puck system, shown in the linked photo and article, was launched in 2013 so what you have in your truck is likely to be an aftermarket installation of some kind. These newer Ram trucks with the factory prep can directly accept a…

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Answer 11

The decorative cover or also known as the fascia will cover a portion of the Draw-Tite trailer hitch #75229, but not completely. I have linked a few photos to give you a better idea of how much will be covered. I have also liked some 2 inch Class III…

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Answer 12

To add a custom fit wiring harness to your 2021 Volvo XC40 you will want the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item #118792. This custom-fit T-One connector plugs into your Volvo's wiring harness, which is located in…

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Does Curt T-Connector C56355 Need To Be Wired Directly To The Battery?

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