How to run electrical for tow?
seenbad
08-20-2004, 11:41 PM
Hi. :)
I just bought a 99 caravan because I couldn't pass up the price. I'm a little stunned that there doesn't seem to be anywhere to plug in trailer lights. I guess this isn't standard? If I'm not missing anything, is there a kit or instructions on how to run a plug back there that anybody knows about?
Thanks! :)
I just bought a 99 caravan because I couldn't pass up the price. I'm a little stunned that there doesn't seem to be anywhere to plug in trailer lights. I guess this isn't standard? If I'm not missing anything, is there a kit or instructions on how to run a plug back there that anybody knows about?
Thanks! :)
travlman
08-22-2004, 08:11 AM
I just installed a hitch on my 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan so I could mount my wife's motorized scooter lift. I had the hitch installed at U-Haul, and they did a good job. I looked in the jack storage hatch, and couldn't figure out the wires in the plug in there, so I tapped into the left tail light for the 12v required to run the lift motor.
Unfortunately, the teeny wires that run the tail lights do not allow enough current to flow to run the motor, so I will have to run an appropriate gauge wire from the battery back to the hitch. I did not try to hook up the turn signals since I didn't need them for this.
While at U-Haul, I DID see a plug-in adapter for trailer lights that appears to plug into the harness located in the jack storage hatch. It was $29.95 plus tax. I think you'll need the adapter harness, since it looks like the turn signals require a module to make them work on both sides.
Good luck!
Unfortunately, the teeny wires that run the tail lights do not allow enough current to flow to run the motor, so I will have to run an appropriate gauge wire from the battery back to the hitch. I did not try to hook up the turn signals since I didn't need them for this.
While at U-Haul, I DID see a plug-in adapter for trailer lights that appears to plug into the harness located in the jack storage hatch. It was $29.95 plus tax. I think you'll need the adapter harness, since it looks like the turn signals require a module to make them work on both sides.
Good luck!
caravanbob
08-22-2004, 08:59 PM
For both my '98 and now my '01, I purchased trailer harnesses that plugged into the factory wiring harness. They worked by unplugging the connector from stop/tail light and plugging in a "T" adapter. There is no other factory place to install the wiring harness.
seenbad
08-23-2004, 09:17 PM
Gentlemen, thanks for the replies. UHAUL took care of all of it for 40 bucks.
Again, I appreciate the feedback. :)
Again, I appreciate the feedback. :)
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