Hitch wiring advice?

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Hitch wiring advice?

Postby maxbluestorm » Sun Jun 19, 2016 6:57 pm

Hi folks - I'm having a hitch put on our second vehicle - 2014 Subaru Forester - and I'm not sure what type of wiring would be best. The hitch place has two packages, one that is more heavy duty and one that is just a quick connector (like they use at UHaul). I'm building on a Super Duty HF trailer and not planning on adding brakes. Not sure if I should go with the heavy duty wiring so I can charge the battery while driving, because to my understanding the quick connect type can't handle that? I plan on adding a solar to the tear but driving/charging sounds necessary too. I'd love to hear from people more experienced with this. Thank you!!
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Re: Hitch wiring advice?

Postby noseoil » Mon Jun 20, 2016 7:37 am

Max, I have the "heavy" setup, but don't have brakes or a 12 volt charge-while-towing setup. My decision was made prior to the complete electrical system, but there's nothing wrong with extra capacity when you need it. Our electric needs come from a 100 watt solar panel & group 27 size battery. I was going to do the charge while towing system, but I found that an AGM battery doesn't like the high voltage from a car alternator, combined with high heat (Tucson), so the solar system works very well for our needs. A regular flooded lead-acid car battery will take the heat & high voltage without a problem.

If you don't have brakes on the trailer & don't plan on charging, the light duty (4 pin) harness works fine. If you think there might be an upgrade in the future, by all means, use the 7 pin harness.
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Re: Hitch wiring advice?

Postby Dale M. » Mon Jun 20, 2016 9:17 am

IF your Forrester has the room, they make a plug (receptacle) the has 4 pin AND 7 pin capabilities, this gives you a universal connecting point for any wiring scheme you may need AND gives ability to connect up to any trailer whether 7 pin or 4 pin connector....


Possible options...
http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Hopkins/ ... 11998.html
http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tow-Ready/30717.html
http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Pollak/PK12716.html

But you also may be limited is what you can/want to do by what type of harness your Forrester has for connecting up wiring... If it does not have existing hookup in place you will need to get additional wiring harness and receptacle on end of hardness will dictate what connection (form factor) it is, BUT you can also change receptacle out from 4 pin to 7 pin if you deem it necessary (to add charge while towing) ....

http://www.etrailer.com/t1-2014_Subaru_Forester.htm

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