Issues with trailer wiring

[qoncept]

I'm having a little bit of trouble with my trailer wiring. I realize next to no one has done it but I'm just looking for ideas. The trailer is wired using [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EP0GI6/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1]this adapter[/ame].

1) A couple of times now I've started the car with the trailer lights plugged in and the ABS and traction control lights were lit.

2) Every once in a while, when the trailer lights are plugged in, the turn signal will cancel cruise control.

Neither is a huge issue but I'm concerned about what the cause might be. I'm guessing the cause of #1 is that the lights are drawing too much current, but I'm not positive. The brake lights are LEDs of course, though, and the lights on the trailer are incandescent (plus the adapter is probably using a bit). I'll probably buy some LED lights for the trailer but I'd like a sanity check first.

#2 I don't have a clue about, unless there's a ground loop fault or something in the adapter, which could explain #1, too. Any other ideas?

[kask2_6.0]

You need something like this: https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Curt/56146.html

Uses the signal from the tail lights but draws power from whatever you wire it to.

Also, it doesn't look like the one you have has power for running lights?

[qoncept]

Mine isn't providing any extra power, just combining the 3 wires for brake, turn signal and running lights in to the 2 wires the trailer lights use. I'll have to pick one of those up. Thanks!

[kask2_6.0]

From my understanding the turn signals are controlled by the ecu and not an external unit. So it will do some weird things if the flashers are drawing too much or are feeding back power somehow.
@ScoobySouth may have some input as well.

[qoncept]

I expected their might be some issue. The brake lights are LED and the gauge of the tail light wires is very small. It's intermittent and happened both times in the morning, not on the way home in the afternoon.

That adapter you suggested is cheaper and more "right" than putting LEDs on the trailer so I'll go ahead and try it. I'm pretty sure that will fix it.

[voyager2285]

Sorry for being a bit off topics, but I'd be interested in how you got your trailer hooked in the first place!

[jonzhuxD]

Originally Posted by voyager2285

Sorry for being a bit off topics, but I'd be interested in how you got your trailer hooked in the first place!

kask2_6.0 has a hitch receiver for sale!

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40098

[swift996]

I went ahead and ordered one of these:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Curt+Hitches/2...FaaDQgodA0sAjg

Should be here on Friday and leave for the track on Saturday. Any tips or pointers?

[Ryaquinn]

^^ would also like to know how this works out

[riyal]

Originally Posted by qoncept

I'm having a little bit of trouble with my trailer wiring. I realize next to no one has done it but I'm just looking for ideas. The trailer is wired using this adapter.

1) A couple of times now I've started the car with the trailer lights plugged in and the ABS and traction control lights were lit.

2) Every once in a while, when the trailer lights are plugged in, the turn signal will cancel cruise control.

Neither is a huge issue but I'm concerned about what the cause might be. I'm guessing the cause of #1 is that the lights are drawing too much current, but I'm not positive. The brake lights are LEDs of course, though, and the lights on the trailer are incandescent (plus the adapter is probably using a bit). I'll probably buy some LED lights for the trailer but I'd like a sanity check first.

#2 I don't have a clue about, unless there's a ground loop fault or something in the adapter, which could explain #1, too. Any other ideas?

hey bro,

not completely off topic but i know here (south africa), the manual explicitly states no towing with this vehicle. and that tow hitches void warranty, not sure tho on bike racks etc. perhaps its just for our market, just thought i should share (if you already didnt know)

why not run power from the battery (with a fuse) and use some relays (tap into the tail lights for signal/switching) to isolate the trailer circuit from the car. that should keep strain on the cars electrics but could be a bit of a mission to run the power cable.

anywho either way hope you sort a solution out. cheers

[qoncept]

Originally Posted by riyal

not completely off topic but i know here (south africa), the manual explicitly states no towing with this vehicle. and that tow hitches void warranty, not sure tho on bike racks etc. perhaps its just for our market, just thought i should share (if you already didnt know)

why not run power from the battery (with a fuse) and use some relays (tap into the tail lights for signal/switching) to isolate the trailer circuit from the car. that should keep strain on the cars electrics but could be a bit of a mission to run the power cable.

I'm not really concerned about warranty. I did buy a different adapter that is externally powered but I've been too lazy to install it yet.