Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

[Ted_S]

Hi everybody,<br /><br />Somebody told me that there is a company that makes a trailer wiring harness that installs in a minute or two. It sounds like its 100% ready to go and all you have to do is insert it where your vehicle's wiring connects to one of the rear lights. I should mention that my trailer is fully wired and I'm only talking about the portion that directly connects to the vehicle.<br /><br />I believe that you have to specify your vehicle's make and model so that the connectors and wire lengths are correct.<br /><br />I seem to remember thia fella saying that it was called "Trailer Mate" but I can't find anything under that name. Any ideas?

 

[mrloring]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

My old truck(1994 S-10) used one of those types of connections, my new(to me) vehicle that came with a towing package 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada did not but it had the wiring harness already. All I needed to do was slice the wires together(everything came with the kit) with the correct trailer connection. The easy connection kit are great unplug the factory connection and connect both sides to the trailer connection. Most auto part stores or Walmart should carry these. Very common brand.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

Any department store that carries auto parts will have these. WalMart, Fleet Farm, Northern Tool, and probably here on iBoats are just a few sources. Farm stores usually have faily well equipped auto centers. Look in the trailer/auto parts section. Even U-Haul will have them but at an inflated price.

 

[phantoms]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

Ted, what kind of tow vehicle do you have?

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

Totally depends on the vehicle. If you got a common domestic pickup, you can probably find one. But if you're trying to wire a Yugo or a Bentley for instance, you'll probably have to cut and splice your car's wires to install the harness.

 

[Ted_S]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

Hi folks,<br /><br />Thanks for the feedback. I haven't actually been shopping yet just web surfing.<br /><br />My vehicle is a 2001 Ford Windstar and I'm actually going to pull a small utility trailer with this vehicle. Sorry to use the boating forum in such a fraudulent manner but the iUtilityTrailers.com website must be down.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

I believe you're looking for something like this.<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5551581494&category=1467 <br /><br />For most vehicles they're readily available and easy to install (they come with directions.) This one for your Windstar seems to look a bit more involved than some others, so you might want to find it locally at a trailer or hitch dealer and chat with them about what's needed for your particular vehicle. Otherwise, buy one off the internet and follow the instructions!

 

[phantoms]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

You may have a harder time finding one for a windstar at a Walmart, but any Napa or parts house should be able to hook you up with one.

 

[fondafj]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

Your local NAPA will have the kit.

 

[Ted_S]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

I found a wiring kit at a local parts store. It is $55.00 for the Windstar whereas most other vehicles are $20.00<br /><br />When I opened the box a ton of wires and parts came tumbling out. I estimate that it will take me about 2 hours to install. I have to snake a hot wire from the engine compartment all the way back to the rear end of the van. I also have to drill / saw / file openings on the tail light chassis cavities to get the connectors through. This will open them up to road salt and moisture.<br /><br />This is NFG. I think I'll just pull the trailer without lights. I'm not going very far and it's all daylight driving.

 

[nboater]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

Trouble is if you have to stop quick, or if you make a turn and no one sees trailer lights, any resulting accident will be your fault. Hope it doesn't happen in the short distance you have to travel, but if it does...! Two hours of hassle to install might save you some time and money in the long run.

 

[phantoms]

Re: Quick Install Trailer Light Harness

Ted, try a local Napa and get them to let you look at the thing first. You shouldn't have to snake any wires our do any cutting/drilling.