I definitely don’t like cutting into my factory harness. I am really particular about my wiring. When I was a tech for Dodge (1998-2003) I had to replace a wiring harness that someone butchered. It was not a fun job and it wasn’t cheap either.
That is exactly what we are starting with. I am modifying that harness so it is simple for anyone to install.
Unrelated, but the squirrels around here hack up the wiring enough. Couple months back they chewed straight through the VVT harness under the blower. $30 part, over $600 labor.
So a 5 pin has the reverse light in it?
Yup, the 5th pin is the reverse light signal. This connector is mainly used on boat trailers. Mine came with it. In that instance there are no backup lights, it’s only purpose is to trigger the surge brake lockout when backing up. But it’ll trigger reverse lights just the same.
Definitely would make more room but happy it’s doable without having to.
My first batch of these harnesses just arrived. I only ordered a limited supply to start but I have a feeling I will be ordering a lot more once I get these built and am able to do the install video. I will modify this harness and provide two options. One will be no manual switch or ability to control manually. The harness will plug in to the trailer connector and the lights and have a ground. The lights will be triggered by the tail lights (for the red back light) and the Reverse lights (for the main beam). The second harness will be the same except it will have a harness that runs to the front with a sitch or you can disconnect the switch and wire into the preexisting auxiliary switches.
So in the first option, are you running the lights themselves off of the trailer plug power, or still using a relay and separate power wires? My initial thought was that the trailer circuit could easily handle what these lights draw, but not sure if the truck looks for a load on that circuit and disables the blindspot monitor thinking there’s a trailer hooked up. I know GM trucks are really silly about that.
We will have to test that to be sure. If it does think there is a trailer, I’ll come up with a plan B. There is always a workaround even if it requires more work on my end.
I agree. I didn’t have blind spot on my Rebel and I don’t recall a trailer icon ever being on unless I put it in trailer tow mode if I recall correctly. A little bit of testing will answer those questions. And that’s why I love the dialog of these forums. Great thinking guys.
That's my hope since that is the easiest option. If it does think there is a trailer there I will go to option B. Perhaps just use that as a trigger for a relay so it won't sense a load at all.
The blade under the tailgate tail lights were using the trailer plug for there lights it was also giving problems making the truck think a trailer was hooked up. They have the same idea as u to make a plug and play kit it has a plug that goes in too The tail light plug under the back corner. same idea just using the tail lights on the truck for power instead of the trailer plugs hook up. They might have done this to fix the issues with the trailer hook up. Check out How they do it might be a better idea. I think you need to add a power wagon to your fleet of trucks so I can start buying all the cool stuff you would make. Lol
I hope to be able to test this soon. I am also making a harness from a Curt Adapter however I got the one with the 4 plug, not the 5 plug. I am pulling the reverse from the center wire on the 7 pin. Instead of using the back lighting on the SSC1 as running lights I am wiring them up as brake and blinker.
Thanks for the info. I’ll check that out. I wouldn’t mind adding a power wagon to the mix. We had the Rebel, now the TRX is incoming, a Power Wagon would be great. We almost bought one last year but couldn’t come to an agreeable price with the dealer that had one in stock so we walked away.
Keep us posted on your findings as well.
