Trailer wiring, Hook-up of Battery Feed and Trailer Brake Fuses.

[4myoutlook]

I have looked back as far as 7-3-07 and not found any info on this. The owner's manual indicates on page 372 that fuses for the Trailer Battery Feed and Trailer Brake located in the under hood fuse block (on the passenger's side) are not hooked up. My dealer's service writer has not heard of this. Her reply was bring it in and let them look at it. I have the tow package and the brake harness that comes with the car.

This is where I need you guys. Has anybody had this done and how much does it cost (hooking up the fuse wires). I have not looked at it yet but maybe I can do it?

Needless to say I plan to tow a 21ft drailer with a loaded weight of 3,500 lbs. Tongue weight of 400 lbs. I will have an equal-i-zer hitch.

Does anyone have any experience with a trailer of this size? If so can you provide me any fuel milage figures and how does the car perform.

Thanks much in advance for any information concerning my questions. Keep the shinny side up and rubber side down.

[ssicarman]

As far as I know all of the fuses are installed for the trailer package. The wiring harness for the trialer brake is not installed and needs to be connected. It should plug into a connecter under the dash once it is properly wired to an electric trailer brake.

Acid test is to check (owners manual for location) which fuses are for the battery feed and trailer brake and see if they are actually there.

As for the mileage when you pull a trailer don't expect it. You will get yardage.

[Harald]

If you have the factory tow package, everything is properly hooked up; as far as I could tell, the owners manual was incorrect on this subject.

To use trailer brakes, you need a trailer brake controller. These days the manufacturers have the cable required to connect the controller to a connector under the dash provided for the purpose. And if you're exceptionally curious, the wiring diagrams are available by searching this forum.

Originally Posted by ssicarman

As for the mileage when you pull a trailer don't expect it. You will get yardage.

Heh. I towed a 2000lb trailer (plus gear) all over Atlantic Canada last year, and averaged about 14 l/100km (17 MPG), which is actually better than I'm getting right now in the cold weather (city driving, though).

[4myoutlook]

Harald, thanks much for your reply. Your information is appreciated.