DIY Trailer Wiring - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

kask2_6.0 · 12-01-2013, 09:13 PM

Hey guys, this isn't going to be a super detailed DIY but I have been getting a lot of questions about wiring trailer lights. Hopefully this will help clear up a lot of those questions and give people a good start to wiring trailer lights.

To wire trailer lights on an FRS/BRZ you will need to purchase a powered converter like this one: https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...urt/56146.html

A basic overview of the wiring that needs to be done:

The converter uses an external source for power and does not put an extra draw on the tail lights. The power to this converter can be taken from almost any fused power source that is on with the ignition. I decided to use the glove compartment cigarette plug since its easy and I don't use it for anything else. So in that case you will need a universal outlet plug.

Wiring of left tail in progress:

Completed wiring on left tail:

Wiring on right tail:

Mounting location of Curt adapter near left tail:

Semi-completed wiring on left tail showing a better view of the mounting location of the Curt adapter (right)

Power adapter installed in glove box:

I know this DIY is pretty vague so feel free to ask any questions you have.

Ryaquinn · 12-01-2013, 09:23 PM

Bought this same kit from jegs.com. Payed U haul half hour labor (35$) and they did a fantastic job. Your smarter than me figuring it out.

* they connected my power straight to the battery

leon78 · 12-04-2013, 06:37 PM

Subbed.

Scooby South · 12-07-2013, 09:18 PM

nice...

Bill

BadPanda · 02-10-2014, 04:17 PM

Found this today while looking for wiring for my newly installed Kask Hitch: http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-V...leid=201322578

Ordering.

kask2_6.0 · 02-10-2014, 04:37 PM

Hell yea! That's new. Would have made my life a little easier if they had this a year ago lol

leon78 · 02-10-2014, 08:35 PM

Ya...now that my wires are cut and sliced...they release a PnP kit.

Sent from my LG-LS970 using Tapatalk

swift996 · 02-11-2014, 11:22 AM

FWIW - I used the same harness but just ran power from the tail light. I actually just spliced and wrapped with electrical tape. I haven't had any issues. There isn't a ton of slack in the OEM wiring, so just take your time.

Nm86 · 03-15-2014, 12:15 PM

Where did you guys run the wiring to the exterior, on most vehicles with trailer hitches the wiring sticks out right by the hitch. I've got the plug and play everything just need to know where to pop it out?

leon78 · 03-15-2014, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nm86

Where did you guys run the wiring to the exterior, on most vehicles with trailer hitches the wiring sticks out right by the hitch. I've got the plug and play everything just need to know where to pop it out?

Through a rubber plug under the spare. Then between the body and exhaust heat shield.

Sent from my LG-LS970 using Tapatalk

Stang70Fastback · 12-05-2015, 01:14 PM

Bumping an old thread. Looking to build an autocross trailer for next year, so wiring is a concern of mine. My question:

I see that all of these kits use a "powered connector" so that the added draw from the trailer doesn't overstrain the existing wiring. However, I've converted my vehicle to 100% LEDs, and I intend to replace all the trailer bulbs with LEDs as well. I'm not an electrical engineer, but I'm wondering if I still need to bother with the powered adapter, since LEDs use a fraction of the power of a normal bulb. Even with the added length of wire, which I'm sure adds resistance, I'm wondering if it's necessary. I don't want to have to run wires if they aren't necessary - especially all the way to the front of the car.

Hyper4mance2k · 12-10-2015, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stang70Fastback

Bumping an old thread. Looking to build an autocross trailer for next year, so wiring is a concern of mine. My question:

I see that all of these kits use a "powered connector" so that the added draw from the trailer doesn't overstrain the existing wiring. However, I've converted my vehicle to 100% LEDs, and I intend to replace all the trailer bulbs with LEDs as well. I'm not an electrical engineer, but I'm wondering if I still need to bother with the powered adapter, since LEDs use a fraction of the power of a normal bulb. Even with the added length of wire, which I'm sure adds resistance, I'm wondering if it's necessary. I don't want to have to run wires if they aren't necessary - especially all the way to the front of the car.

Don't be lazy and risk an electrical fire. It took me all of 15 minutes to run the wire. Out interiors are cheap pop together plastic. There is literally one 10MM bolt in the rear seat, everything else comes out without using a single tool. You can't beat plug & play for $45. I didn't have to cut anything, plus I run them in front of my Diode Dynamics turn-as-tail mods, so there is no added load on the circuit.
https://www.etrailer.com/t1-2015_Subaru_BRZ.htm

Stang70Fastback · 12-10-2015, 03:31 PM

It has nothing to do with being lazy, and everything to do with me being OCD and not wanting to run wires across the car for no reason. I'm just hoping someone might know for a fact whether it's the bulbs or the wiring that causes the added strain, because I'm fairly confident that a few extra LEDs on their own won't really do much to the load.

12-01-2013, 09:13 PM	#1
kask2_6.0 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Drives: 13 BRZ Location: San Diego Posts: 721 Thanks: 228 Thanked 505 Times in 255 Posts Mentioned: 18 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	DIY Trailer Wiring Hey guys, this isn't going to be a super detailed DIY but I have been getting a lot of questions about wiring trailer lights. Hopefully this will help clear up a lot of those questions and give people a good start to wiring trailer lights. To wire trailer lights on an FRS/BRZ you will need to purchase a powered converter like this one: https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...urt/56146.html A basic overview of the wiring that needs to be done: The converter uses an external source for power and does not put an extra draw on the tail lights. The power to this converter can be taken from almost any fused power source that is on with the ignition. I decided to use the glove compartment cigarette plug since its easy and I don't use it for anything else. So in that case you will need a universal outlet plug. Wiring of left tail in progress: Completed wiring on left tail: Wiring on right tail: Mounting location of Curt adapter near left tail: Semi-completed wiring on left tail showing a better view of the mounting location of the Curt adapter (right) Power adapter installed in glove box: I know this DIY is pretty vague so feel free to ask any questions you have.

12-04-2013, 06:37 PM	#3
leon78 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Drives: 13 Whiteout Location: Niceville FL Posts: 666 Thanks: 307 Thanked 241 Times in 142 Posts Mentioned: 23 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	Subbed. __________________ 2013 Scion FR-S (Whiteout) GunMetal 16x8+25 Enkei CompE_Cusco OCC_ Kartboy Crank Pulley_Kartboy TMM insert_Koni Yellows_RCE Springs_K&N Drop-In_Eibach FSB_J2 Catless FP_WhiteLine Camber Bolts_NameLess Track Pipe_RBF600_Ferodo DS2500_PTUNING Tuned. Less parking more racing

02-10-2014, 08:35 PM	#7
leon78 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Drives: 13 Whiteout Location: Niceville FL Posts: 666 Thanks: 307 Thanked 241 Times in 142 Posts Mentioned: 23 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	Ya...now that my wires are cut and sliced...they release a PnP kit. Sent from my LG-LS970 using Tapatalk __________________ 2013 Scion FR-S (Whiteout) GunMetal 16x8+25 Enkei CompE_Cusco OCC_ Kartboy Crank Pulley_Kartboy TMM insert_Koni Yellows_RCE Springs_K&N Drop-In_Eibach FSB_J2 Catless FP_WhiteLine Camber Bolts_NameLess Track Pipe_RBF600_Ferodo DS2500_PTUNING Tuned. Less parking more racing

02-11-2014, 11:22 AM	#8
swift996 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Drives: Subaru BRZ Limited 6MT Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 2,432 Thanks: 712 Thanked 954 Times in 545 Posts Mentioned: 47 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	FWIW - I used the same harness but just ran power from the tail light. I actually just spliced and wrapped with electrical tape. I haven't had any issues. There isn't a ton of slack in the OEM wiring, so just take your time. __________________ Innovate Supercharged Black Limited BRZ 6-Speed MT(Build Thread) 2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan M6 w/550whp (Build Thread)

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12-01-2013, 09:23 PM	#2
Ryaquinn Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Drives: FRS Location: Gainesville FL Posts: 444 Thanks: 154 Thanked 283 Times in 154 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s)	Bought this same kit from jegs.com. Payed U haul half hour labor (35$) and they did a fantastic job. Your smarter than me figuring it out. * they connected my power straight to the battery

02-10-2014, 04:37 PM	#6
kask2_6.0 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Drives: 13 BRZ Location: San Diego Posts: 721 Thanks: 228 Thanked 505 Times in 255 Posts Mentioned: 18 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	Hell yea! That's new. Would have made my life a little easier if they had this a year ago lol

12-05-2015, 01:14 PM	#11
Stang70Fastback A.K.A. Starlord Join Date: Oct 2013 Drives: 2015 Series.Blue Location: Illinois Posts: 1,842 Thanks: 845 Thanked 2,099 Times in 834 Posts Mentioned: 30 Post(s) Tagged: 3 Thread(s)	Bumping an old thread. Looking to build an autocross trailer for next year, so wiring is a concern of mine. My question: I see that all of these kits use a "powered connector" so that the added draw from the trailer doesn't overstrain the existing wiring. However, I've converted my vehicle to 100% LEDs, and I intend to replace all the trailer bulbs with LEDs as well. I'm not an electrical engineer, but I'm wondering if I still need to bother with the powered adapter, since LEDs use a fraction of the power of a normal bulb. Even with the added length of wire, which I'm sure adds resistance, I'm wondering if it's necessary. I don't want to have to run wires if they aren't necessary - especially all the way to the front of the car.

12-10-2015, 03:31 PM	#13
Stang70Fastback A.K.A. Starlord Join Date: Oct 2013 Drives: 2015 Series.Blue Location: Illinois Posts: 1,842 Thanks: 845 Thanked 2,099 Times in 834 Posts Mentioned: 30 Post(s) Tagged: 3 Thread(s)	It has nothing to do with being lazy, and everything to do with me being OCD and not wanting to run wires across the car for no reason. I'm just hoping someone might know for a fact whether it's the bulbs or the wiring that causes the added strain, because I'm fairly confident that a few extra LEDs on their own won't really do much to the load.

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