Guys with a trailer hitch - need wiring help and basic trailer tech

[longhornsqx4]

So I finally am getting my trailer, no more hauling s*** on the roof lol.

This is for a 2001 QX4 btw. Basically I got this trailer wiring kit that came with crappy instructions and Im lost. I did do all the tests though. Basically I think i need to buy an "electronic turn signal convertor" since our cars stop lights, and turn signal light, use different circuits. ANd I dont know which of the wires going to the red bulb is a driving light, and which is for brakes???

Heres exactly all it says in the instructions, if anyone done this before.

NOTE: if your towing vehicle has turn signals separate from the stop lights and electronic turn signal converter will be required

-attach white wire to ground-connect yellow wire to the drivers side stop and turn signal circuit-connect green wire to passenger side stop and turn signal circuit-connect brown wire to the tail lamp circuit

So is there anyway I can make this work without buying anything extra? Im a noob to wiring, so I need some help here.



I would love to be able to make this work without buying anything else, as I couldnt even find the convertor on the web after a uick search.


Modified by longhornsqx4 at 7:45 PM 4/19/2009

[Chuck Tribolet]

Sounds like you got a "one size fits none kit". Put it in the trash can.

If you get the RIGHT wiring kit, it's plug and play. You unplug the tail lightsfrom the car harness, plug one side of the kit into the car harness, plug thetail lights into the other side of the kit, repeat on the other side of the car,screw down a ground, DONE. The converter is included.

Here's one that will work: http://www.reese-hitches.com/products/118361

[Chuck Tribolet]

BTW, since you are an admitted newb:

Once you know that the trailer lights are wired right (not left/right crossed,etc.) you can do a quick check as follows: Hook up the trailer. Turn onthe parking lights and the four-way flashers. All the trailer lights should beone, and the brake/ turn lights should be flashing dim/bright/dim/bright.If you have a boat trailer, do this every single time you hook it up. Waterand electricity don't mix. And if you have a boat trailer, unhook the trailerlights when you launch and retrieve the boat.

The trailer safety chains should cross left to right. This allows them to catchthe tongue and keep it off the ground if it comes off the ball. And, believe itor not, it allows the chains to be sorter than not crossing.

The chains need to be attached to the truck with more than just a hook.There are rubber widgets to latch them (I use these, but I keep spares becausethey only last a couple of years), or you can use a chain repair link insteadof a hook.

If you use use hooks, they get hooked in to the truck from underneath. Thisprevents them from bouncing out in the event the rubber widgets give up.

Chains should be as short as reasonably possible. Add one link in case abuddy tows your trailer. Find a cul de sac or parking lot to turn some very slow maximum lock donuts with a bud watching.

Be careful about ball sizes. The 1 7/8" ball is REAL close to a 2" ball.

Put a 5000 pound capacity hitch on. Someday you'll need it.

Here's the big one: The trailer runs INSIDE the truck. My boat trailer is about12" wider than the truck, so 6" on each side. In a tight corner it's more like12" inside, not 6". You don't want to clobber the curb with the trailer wheel.

And the above leads to this: In tight quarters, go past where you'd turnwith just the truck, then turn hard back, and correct. The trailer will followyou straight in.

To back up, put the truck in 4WD compound low. It makes everything happen in slow motion. Learn to use the mirrors, esp. the driver's side.Learn just what the trailer looks like when the backing is going straight.You see very small deviations and be able to make small corrections. Practicemakes perfect.

I've got about 80,000 miles of trailer towing with Pathfinders.

[longhornsqx4]

lol @ one size fits none haha. Id like to make this one work, as money is tight and that would cost $75 by the time I got it if they shipped for cheap.I never knew there were kits that were plug and play harness like that though

Thank you for writing the tips aswell, helpful as Ive never towed a thing in my life

[fueler]

Thanks for all the info, Chuck. I have a 5000 lb tow hitch installed and zero wiring. I will surely look back to this post when i buy a jetski and want to hook up the lights. The one time i did tow a boat, i had a friend drive strategically behind me to prevent any problems, ghetto!