Wiring in trunk--need advice

lakelover

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Mar 26, 2003
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I just went to U-Haul and had them order a hitch for my 1996 Chevy Lumina, since they didn't have one in stock. They'll install it when it comes in and their idea of a good time was to want to charge me $25 labor to hook the up the wires in the trunk. This seemed a little outrageous, so I told them to just mount the hitch and I'd do the wiring myself, figuring it can't be that hard, or worth $25 to do it...on top of the cost of the lead.<br /><br />So now, can anybody tell me if it's much of a job, I'm assuming it's just a matter of finding the wiring harness under the carpet and splicing the trunk lead in. :confused: <br /><br />Thanks.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

If your vehicle did not have a factory installed tow package, just splicing wires together may be a VERY bad idea.<br /><br />Todays vehicles aren't the same as yesteryear. Wiring is of lighter guage and may be linked to sensative electronics.<br /><br />It's best to buy an isolator.<br /><br />I would trust U Haul to do the work. They've done it before and have guides pertaining to most models.
 

Johnshan1

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

$25 isnt bad to do the wiring, I do all my vehicles both hitch and wiring but for $25 i would have them do it, to do it right it takes me an hour and its not exactly my idea of a good time.
 

jtexas

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

you could try etrailer.com, look up the hitch for your vehicle, they'll recommend a part no. for wiring. If it's a t-connector and you can find where to plug it in, won't be so bad. But still it'll be $15 or so plus shipping. Plus the $25 to Uhaul if it don't work, plus whatever components get fried. Come to think of it, $25 ain't such a bad deal...
 

lakelover

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

hmmm, interesting thoughts, I'll have to think on it...won't be in for a week or so. Thanks.
 

lakelover

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

Originally posted by jtexas:<br /> you could try etrailer.com, look up the hitch for your vehicle, they'll recommend a part no. for wiring. If it's a t-connector and you can find where to plug it in, won't be so bad. But still it'll be $15 or so plus shipping. Plus the $25 to Uhaul if it don't work, plus whatever components get fried. Come to think of it, $25 ain't such a bad deal...
I searched etrailer and came up with this: "Your vehicle may be hardwired using the accessories below when a T-One connector is not available." In a situation like this, how much of a job is the wiring? The vehicle is a 1996 Lumina sedan.<br /><br />It's not just the $25 itself, but I'm the curious type and I've had the do-it-yourslef bug for a long time...it's one of those projects that I'm trying to decide whether I want to tackle it.
 

salty87

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

what's $25 worth to you? <br /><br />i'd probably let them deal with it. that way, all i have to do is make sure it works and bring it back if it doesn't.
 

jtexas

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

Originally posted by lakelover:<br /> It's not just the $25 itself, but I'm the curious type and I've had the do-it-yourslef bug for a long time...it's one of those projects that I'm trying to decide whether I want to tackle it.
I can relate, but never did that myself. Hopefully somebody who's done it will jump in with advise, instead of just trying to talk you out of it. (no offense salty :) ) This ain't exactly rocket surgery.
 

TexomaAv8r

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

I did it on my old Corsica, which I believe is similar to a Lumina, pretty straight forward stuff
 

Darren Smith

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Mar 25, 2005
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135
Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

Its been a while since I wired a car, but Chevy trucks use the standard wiring colors (right=dark green, left=yellow, lights=brown). With that, wiring is pretty easy. Uhaul used to use regular test lights to check for the right wire, I'm sure you could do the same. Turn on the light your looking for, check for power, attach trailer wire, repeat. Even with a '96, I doubt you will have a problem, as electrics for turn signals didn't really come into effect until 2000 or a little after. But even now, a good digital multi meter will protect the circuts you are checking. Good luck!
 

shipoffools

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Jan 8, 2004
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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

I've done lots of trailer wire hookups in the past some are simple some are not with todays electronics I would be most concerned with brake lights and turn signals you may need a converter to make the hook up, I'm not at all familliar with a 96 Lumina so I can't help there, what I can say is if U_Haul is willing to do the job for $25 I personally would have them do it. It can be a pain in the neck and you would be surprised at what goes wrong if you short a simple tail light wire in a modern vehicle.
 

demsvmejm

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

I can relate to wanting to "Do It Yourself". However I have little choice since I'm a mechanic.<br />I am not positive on the 1996 Lumina, but if you have information that this vehicle can be hardwired, without fancy connectors/isolators etc, if you have any mechanical aptitude you CAN do it yourself, fairlly easily. This assumes you dont have a ton of stuff in there :) <br />Yes GM typically uses standard wiring colors. But certainly test before making connections. It's a lot easier than undoing them later :) <br />Some Luminas had seperate turn/brake lights. If yours does, you MUST use a convertor. <br />I would recommend soldering your connections, but any secure solid connection inside the trunk should be ok. Most of the time I would strip the wire of about 1" of insulation, but do not cut the wire. Split the wire so you can feed the trailer wire through the vehicle wire and wrap the new wire around the existing wire. Then wrap the connection securely with electrical tape and secure the loose end of the tape with a wire tie. Cut off the extra wire tie. This is only an acceptable connection INSIDE the vehicle. Be sure to check all functions after making the connections. You can use a snow brush to block on the brake to test the brake function if a helper isn't available.<br /><br /> UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES EVER USE SCOTCH LOCKS - EVER!!!!! Even if they are supplied with the component.
 

demsvmejm

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

$25.00 sounds really reasonable for this work, just so you don't think U-Haul is trying to screw you. As good a deal as this is, I'd still do it myself. It's not too hard and will give you a warm-fuzzy when you're finished, if you do it right :D
 

JamNJ1955

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

Pay the $25, its not even the amout of 10 gals of gas..<br /><br />No aggravation..
 

Johnshan1

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

As an electrician we use scotchlocks all the time, I would only use them if the area is not going to get wet such as in a trunk.<br /><br />My brand new boat trailer came with scotchlocks on everything, these will be going away I will say that.
 

demsvmejm

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

Originally posted by Johnshan1:<br /> As an electrician we use scotchlocks all the time, I would only use them if the area is not going to get wet such as in a trunk.<br /><br />My brand new boat trailer came with scotchlocks on everything, these will be going away I will say that.
Here is where personal/professional experience comes in. Johnshan1, you've had good luck with Scotch Locks, and you use them because of it. I on the other hand have never used them due to all of the problems I've seen them create. Admittedly all the applications I've seen were in areas of moisture. We have our differences of opinion. I appreciate your compassion in defending yours. I respect that you use them based on your experience. I agree that the trunk shouldn't get wet and therefore they might be alright. But Lakelover, use your discretion. Good luck and lot's of fun with the boat.
 

lakelover

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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

Just an update, maybe will help somebody in the future.<br /><br />The hitch was a week late getting in, but I had it installed today, without wiring. Turns out that this vehicle (96 Lumina) is just hard-wired in & was pretty quick & easy. I got a decent adapter & lead for about 5 bucks & spent a half hour or so hooking it in. Works like a charm! I spliced into the trunk wiring and soldered the connections.<br /><br />Saved myself $25 labor & have the do-it-yourself satisfaction!<br /><br />Thanks to everybody who replied and provided info that helped me make my decision!
 

Reel Poor

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Jan 29, 2005
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Re: Wiring in trunk--need advice

congrats lakelover. glad it was painless.
 
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