How do I wire trailer connector?

[Mark42]

I am going to add a class 2 hitch to my 98 Lincoln Town Car. Probably the Hiden Hitch brand. According to the owners manual, the Town Car is capable of towing up to 2000 lbs. My trailer weighs in at 1200 lbs according to the local truck stop scale.<br /><br />The problem I have is the car does not come equiped with a trailer electric connection and I don't want to just connect directly to the wire harness because I don't know if this will be a problem for the computer if it detects lamps being out. (how's that for a sentence?)<br /><br />The owners manual clearly states the vehicle does not have a tow package and to see the trailer dealer for wire connections. <br /><br />So how do I tell if I need to use something like the Wesbar Electronic Power Converter or just a simple hard wired connection like Seachoice Trailer Connectors .<br /><br />How do I tell without actually making the connection and see what happens?<br /><br />FYI, the car has a 4.6 V8, 3.55 rear gears, Track-loc differential, high stall torque converter and 255x50x17 tires. It also has these features from the Crown Vic Police Package as a factory option: an external aluminum transmission oil cooler with thermostat, heavy duty sway bars, heavy duty front coil springs and stiffer bushings.<br /><br />

 

[hadvisor]

Re: How do I wire trailer connector?

I would use a power converter. You cannot simply tap in the four flat. Everything needs to be converted - just tap and find left, right, lights, brake lamp, run a power wire to battery and a good ground. If the brake and signal share the same wire you ground the brake wire on the converter. I use hopkins products on a daily basis and love em.<br /> http://www.trailerwiring.com/ <br />get part number 46255.<br />Just my personal opinion.

 

[rwidman]

Re: How do I wire trailer connector?

I agree with hadvisor on the converter, get the proper kit for your vehicle and follow the instructions that come with it. You can probably get the kit from the same company you get your hitch from.

 

[garycinn]

Re: How do I wire trailer connector?

I have had very good luck with www.etrailer.com for my hitches and wiring.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: How do I wire trailer connector?

that's a pretty nice car to be towing a trailer with. do your car a favor and spend 2-3 grands and get a decent truck, a lots of them are pre-rigged for towing. At least that's what I would do.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How do I wire trailer connector?

Gonefishie,<br /><br />I normally tow with my wifes 97 Mercury Mountianeer. But this summer there will be times when whe will need the mountianeer to go to the malls (where my car is not allowed to be parked). So maybe 3 or 4 times a year the Town Car will tow the boat short distances. <br /><br />Biggest trip I plan on taking with the Town Car is 170 miles, mostly flat highway towing. The trailer/boat weighs in around 1200 lbs. It doesn't say in the owners manual, but I would think leaving the overdrive turned off would be a good idea. And keeping the speed 55-60 would not strain the T/c.

 

[BillP]

Re: How do I wire trailer connector?

Mark,<br />I currently trailer with a 1990 (5.0L)and 1996 (4.6L) tc. Latest is the same engine as yours with standard chassis. I let the hitch installer do the harness connection and no alarms happened. Mine pull 1500lb rigs and hardly know the boat is behind but a 3500lb boat starts taxing the drivetrain at highway speeds. 1500lbs drives ok with tranny in drive but 3500lbs has to be driven in 2nd at 55mph to keep peace. Only when pulling a high windage 2500lb poontoon rig does it require the tranny in 2nd. The rear air shocks really calm down towing issues too.<br /><br />Merry Xmas.