vw_leadfoot
Veteran Member
I know a few people here have been waiting for this write up as I have been promising it and you’ll be glad to hear it works! I have successfully figured out a way to install trailer wiring WITHOUT cutting into or tapping the existing OEM wiring harnesses. I know there are faster and less expensive ways to install trailer wiring but I wasn’t comfortable using these methods. My desires were:
· not to tap, cut, or damage the existing wiring harnesses,
· to draw power from the battery and not off an existing circuit,
· to install a convertor that allows future power increases,
· to install wires for future uses such as a possible brake controller, auxiliary power, rear fog, backup camera, etc…
· to make a clean installation with the ability to remove the wiring if required in the future.
I did a similar system on my Passat but it was much easier as there were unused taillight connections and power from the battery wasn’t required.
This wiring design and installation took considerable planning. It is hard to tell how much time I spent on the entire installation as I dragged it out over a couple of months but I would say at the vehicle, it took about 6 to 8 hours. The hardest part by far was feeding the wires from the trunk to the engine compartment. I am fully aware a YouTube video shows it being run underneath the vehicle but that is the easy way out and leaves the wires susceptible to damage.
If you plan to use my ideas to attempt this on your own, I advise you get a Bentley Manual to understand how interior trim pieces are removed. You should also possess an understanding of basic VW wiring, housings, and terminals. There is plenty of information online about this if you need to brush up on your skills. I will not get into great detail of how interior pieces are removed or how terminals are removed from housings. I hope this gives you the confidence to try it and I’d be happy to assist you if you have any questions…send me a PM.
PARTS:
Modulite HeavyDuty Convertor 119190, HitchCity, $69.95
(2) VW REPAIR WIRES (male) 000 979 129A, Town+Country VW, $7.09ea.
(2) VW REPAIR WIRES (female) 000 979 133E, Town+Country VW, $6.60ea.
VW HOUSING (2 wire, male) 191 972 712, Town+Country VW, $8.89ea.
VW HOUSING (3 wire, male) 191 972 713, Town+Country VW, $8.39ea.
VW HOUSING (2 wire, female) 1J0 972 923, Town+Country VW, $3.39ea.
VW HOUSING (3 wire, female) 1J0 972 924, Town+Country VW, $6.60ea.
Inline Heavy Duty waterproof 15A mini-fuse and holder, Canadian Tire
(4) Heat Shrink Butt Connector for Multiple Wires (2 to 1), B&B Dixon Automotive, Pack $12.08
(2) Heat Shrink Butt Connector (10-12 AWG), Canadian Tire, Pack $5.99
(1) Heat Shrink Butt Connector (14-16 AWG), Canadian Tire, Pack $5.99
(2) Heat Shrink Ring Connector (10-12 AWG), B&B Dixon Automotive, Pack $12.08
10ga wire, black, (20 feet) - to battery, Princess Auto, 25’ roll, $12.99
OPTIONAL 12ga wire, blue, (20 feet) – future brake controller, Princess Auto, 25’ roll, $9.99
OPTIONAL 14ga wire, yellow, (20 feet) – future, Princess Auto, 25’ roll, $13.99
16ga wire (4 feet) - to ground
TOOLS:
VW Terminal Removal Tools, Schwaben from ECS Tuning
Wire Cutters/Strippers
Crimp tool
Lighter for Heat Shrinking
Torx Screwdrivers
Metric Socket set, 10mm, 13mm
Zip Ties
Silicone sealant
Electrical Tape
Coat Hanger/Fish
Other useful information:
Driver’s Side Wiring Harness:
Pin 1: Gray with Black Stripe: Tail Light
Pin 2: Black with Red Stripe: Brake
Pin 3: Brown: Ground
Pin 4: Black with White Stripe: Left Signal
Pin 5: Black with Blue Stripe: Reverse
Passenger Side Wiring Harness:
Pin 1: Gray with Black Stripe: Tail Light
Pin 2: Black with Purple Stripe: Brake
Pin 3: Brown: Ground
Pin 4: Black with Green Stripe: Right Signal
Pin 5: Black with Blue Stripe: Reverse
Here is the PLAN:
· not to tap, cut, or damage the existing wiring harnesses,
· to draw power from the battery and not off an existing circuit,
· to install a convertor that allows future power increases,
· to install wires for future uses such as a possible brake controller, auxiliary power, rear fog, backup camera, etc…
· to make a clean installation with the ability to remove the wiring if required in the future.
I did a similar system on my Passat but it was much easier as there were unused taillight connections and power from the battery wasn’t required.
This wiring design and installation took considerable planning. It is hard to tell how much time I spent on the entire installation as I dragged it out over a couple of months but I would say at the vehicle, it took about 6 to 8 hours. The hardest part by far was feeding the wires from the trunk to the engine compartment. I am fully aware a YouTube video shows it being run underneath the vehicle but that is the easy way out and leaves the wires susceptible to damage.
If you plan to use my ideas to attempt this on your own, I advise you get a Bentley Manual to understand how interior trim pieces are removed. You should also possess an understanding of basic VW wiring, housings, and terminals. There is plenty of information online about this if you need to brush up on your skills. I will not get into great detail of how interior pieces are removed or how terminals are removed from housings. I hope this gives you the confidence to try it and I’d be happy to assist you if you have any questions…send me a PM.
PARTS:
Modulite HeavyDuty Convertor 119190, HitchCity, $69.95
(2) VW REPAIR WIRES (male) 000 979 129A, Town+Country VW, $7.09ea.
(2) VW REPAIR WIRES (female) 000 979 133E, Town+Country VW, $6.60ea.
VW HOUSING (2 wire, male) 191 972 712, Town+Country VW, $8.89ea.
VW HOUSING (3 wire, male) 191 972 713, Town+Country VW, $8.39ea.
VW HOUSING (2 wire, female) 1J0 972 923, Town+Country VW, $3.39ea.
VW HOUSING (3 wire, female) 1J0 972 924, Town+Country VW, $6.60ea.
Inline Heavy Duty waterproof 15A mini-fuse and holder, Canadian Tire
(4) Heat Shrink Butt Connector for Multiple Wires (2 to 1), B&B Dixon Automotive, Pack $12.08
(2) Heat Shrink Butt Connector (10-12 AWG), Canadian Tire, Pack $5.99
(1) Heat Shrink Butt Connector (14-16 AWG), Canadian Tire, Pack $5.99
(2) Heat Shrink Ring Connector (10-12 AWG), B&B Dixon Automotive, Pack $12.08
10ga wire, black, (20 feet) - to battery, Princess Auto, 25’ roll, $12.99
OPTIONAL 12ga wire, blue, (20 feet) – future brake controller, Princess Auto, 25’ roll, $9.99
OPTIONAL 14ga wire, yellow, (20 feet) – future, Princess Auto, 25’ roll, $13.99
16ga wire (4 feet) - to ground
TOOLS:
VW Terminal Removal Tools, Schwaben from ECS Tuning
Wire Cutters/Strippers
Crimp tool
Lighter for Heat Shrinking
Torx Screwdrivers
Metric Socket set, 10mm, 13mm
Zip Ties
Silicone sealant
Electrical Tape
Coat Hanger/Fish
Other useful information:
Driver’s Side Wiring Harness:
Pin 1: Gray with Black Stripe: Tail Light
Pin 2: Black with Red Stripe: Brake
Pin 3: Brown: Ground
Pin 4: Black with White Stripe: Left Signal
Pin 5: Black with Blue Stripe: Reverse
Passenger Side Wiring Harness:
Pin 1: Gray with Black Stripe: Tail Light
Pin 2: Black with Purple Stripe: Brake
Pin 3: Brown: Ground
Pin 4: Black with Green Stripe: Right Signal
Pin 5: Black with Blue Stripe: Reverse
Here is the PLAN:
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