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Thread: Proper Electrics for a trailer

  1. #1
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    Proper Electrics for a trailer

    I have one of the Tone Trailer hitches I want to install. However, I dont have the electronics so I can hook up a trailer properly.
    anyone know what wiring harness/device/setup is needed so I can install that at the same time I install the hitch?

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    Quoted from Tone awhile back.

    Our system (like many newer vehicles) is a five wire system since we have separate tail and brake lights instead of simply making one bulb brighter for
    brakes. You can tag the wires outside right behind the tailights. Or, inside the jack compartment on the driver's side and the jack compartlment on the passenger side.

    RT Turn Signal Wire Color (only avail on the Passenger Side): Green/Blue
    LF Turn Signal Wire Color (only avail on Driver's Side): Green/Blue
    Parking/Running Light Wire Color: Green/Red
    Brake Light Wire Color: Green
    The only additional requirement you'd need is one of the adapters to convert our 5-wire system to the usual 4-wire system most trailer harnesses operate with.

  3. The Following User Says Thank You to Y33TREKker For This Useful Post:

    creeg (06/22/2016)

  4. #3
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  5. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by creeg View Post
    Possibly. I'm not seeing clearcut comments indicating it's the right kind of conversion kit though.

    The following kit does actually have a comment from a past customer though (below link) that says it did exactly what we'd need from such a 5 to 4 wire converter.

    https://www.amazon.com/IIT-16690-Tra...SWZHM5PAQRCHZW

    "If you're looking for a converter (your vehicle has separate brake bulbs AND turn signals) then look no further. You'll find other converters that require a separate 12v signal and cost $40-50, which means you'll have to tear your car apart routing one long wire to the positive terminal on the battery. Not this one! Just make the five simple connections on your vehicle wiring at the rear light housings, and you're done. No fuss, no aggravation, etc. I have tried this harness on three different trailers all with extensive running lights, dual turn signal bulbs, etc. Works like a champ for little $$$"

  6. #5
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    Thanks- Im new to trailers, so Im not sure what to get. I currently dont have a trailer, but want to get the hitch and electrics setup so I can go get one. Is there a recommended setup as far as how many wires? 5? 6? 7?

    Im planning on getting a smallish trailer to haul stuff from home depot, and to tow a compact car short distances to the body shop (under a mile). Nothing too intense, and no long term plans for long hauls.

    Would it be best to get a 5-wire hookup for now, and then I can plug in a 4-wire converter if needed?

    Thanks for helping out the towing newbie.

  7. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by creeg View Post

    Would it be best to get a 5-wire hookup for now, and then I can plug in a 4-wire converter if needed?
    I had problems when I tried using one of these on my VX. Now, could of been the converter was bad, maybe the LED lights I had installed was causing issues, maybe the electronic flasher,

    maybe the installer... Me

    In the end, I did it the old fashion way. I used one of the 4 wire trailer connectors you can by for 10 bucks or so. I used the trailer tongue to tow hitch as ground, four wires, one for brakes, left turn, right turn, lights, works fine and saved a few bucks. Now mind you, that trailer is tied to your vehicle. You won't be able to tow another trailer or tow your trailer with another vehicle unless you make an adapter.

    anyway, another option
    Greetings, Earthling. We come in peace... Never mind "Paris to Dakar", the VehiCROSS looks ready for the Martian desert.

  8. #7
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    Thanks-

    It looks like there are a bunch of wire harnesses out there that just plug right into other Isuzus: such as this one, which will work with a Rodeo
    https://goo.gl/photos/7n3mLwjkUS4r6fy96

    The plugs for the VX look like this
    https://goo.gl/photos/YNyyHSYBxScG9PhK6

    Is there any other vehicle that has the same plugs as us that would allow me to just plug into the wires?

    Im trying to avoid splicing if possible.

    Thanks!

  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by creeg View Post
    Thanks-

    It looks like there are a bunch of wire harnesses out there that just plug right into other Isuzus: such as this one, which will work with a Rodeo
    https://goo.gl/photos/7n3mLwjkUS4r6fy96

    The plugs for the VX look like this
    https://goo.gl/photos/YNyyHSYBxScG9PhK6

    Is there any other vehicle that has the same plugs as us that would allow me to just plug into the wires?

    Im trying to avoid splicing if possible.

    Thanks!
    I'd think a vehicle would have to be equipped with a factory towing package to make one of those wire harnesses work.

    I say that for a couple of reasons as it relates to the VX.

    First, to even be able to plug one of those harnesses in, the vehicle would have to have a breakout section in the factory wiring harness for that adapter to plug into without splicing, and second, because the VX wasn't recommended by the manufacturer for towing in the first place, no towing package was offered (AFAIK anyway).

    Since you'd be splicing into the wiring inside the vehicle, you shouldn't have any issues.

  10. #9
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    Sigh-

    Ok, splicing it is. Thanks for the advice everyone.

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