Why Do Some Vehicles Need a Converter to Add Trailer Wiring Like a 2001 Chrysler Town & Country
Question:
Why do you need a converter box for a 2001 TandC, what does it do? Could you use a fuse and wire straight in?
asked by: Jerry
Expert Reply:
Converters are required when a vehicle has what is called a 3-wire or separate lighting system. These systems will have turn signal circuits that are separate from the brake light circuits.
Trailers use a 2-wire or combined system meaning the brake lights and turn signals are on the same circuit.
A converter is needed to take the separate signals from the vehicle and combine them so that the trailer lights operating on a combined system will work properly. Wires and fuses connected directly to the vehicle tail lights will not work because trailers in the US do not have separate turn signals from the brake lights.
With that said, you do not have to hardwire in a converter on your 2001 Chrysler Town and Country. There are harnesses that just plug right into a factory wiring harness. I recommend Tow Ready harness # 118376 for this type of harness.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
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
- Converter
- 8 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
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Barry
4/10/2020
Do you have a connection system that will work on motorcycle and tent trailer.