Wiring Types

Universal Electrics

This wiring connects the towbar directly into the wiring loom with scotch locks through the rear lights. In some cases, a by-pass relay will be needed to match voltage/power but won’t detect and drop as a fault, or bulb failure indications on dash (if applicable).

Things to consider:

If the vehicle has trailer stability control as an extra to the regular system, the universal wiring may not activate this function and it will therefore not function.

If the vehicle is still under Manufacturer’s Warranty, fitting universal wiring may contravene the warranty as most state that any towbar fitted must be the same as the wiring already in the vehicle. As the dedicated wiring is manufacturer approved this will match the terms of your warranty.

VEHICLE SPECIFIC WIRING (DEDICATED)

These are made to fit the specific vehicle (hence ‘dedicated’). These kits work with the original wiring and plug into the vehicle’s ECU computer in the engine bay, allowing the two systems to co-ordinate and function as intended by the manufacturer. More often than not, the dedicated electrics will be more expensive.

The advantage of having the dedicated kit is that because it is plugged into the computer, the vehicle knows when you are towing and will automatically make adjustments as required. In some cases, the new wiring connects directly into a dedicated socket, but for some vehicles it will be necessary to run cables through the vehicle making fitting more difficult and time-consuming.

It works the following systems (if the vehicle has these available):