OEM tow hitch wiring, any issues?

denismc

Just fitted a tow bar to my car but it is not wired for a plug-in wiring kit, so if I want to wire the tow bar I will have to go with a 3rd party kit which involves splicing wires.

I will probably get a professional to do this but for those of you that have done it have you ever had any issues afterwards?

I am just a little nervous about wiring issues down the line due to corrosion or damaged wires.

Buffman

Normally there's some sort of OEM kit available if the manufacturer allowed for towing. Probably ain't cheap though.

Any modern vehicle will require a towing bypass relay to be used when wiring to avoid any hassle with the vehicles existing systems. There shouldn't be any corrosion or damage issues if it's done correctly.

I've used a fair few 'universal' relay kits on a variety of vehicles in the past without issue, just in this case, instead of the normal 'measure twice, cut once' advice, I triple check which wire does what before making any cuts/connections.

zg3409

What car?

denismc

Ioniq 5

Buffman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122416735#Comment_122416735

What makes you think it's not wired for it? It should be.

Presumably it's still under warranty so probably best to stick to OEM parts. €188.34 for the kit from Hyundai Ireland.

https://store.hyundai.ie/shop/transport/tow-bar-wiring-kit-7-pole-socket/

Looks handy enough on them, if you did the towbar yourself you should be well able for it. Plenty of videos online, some where people dismantle half the interior for no reason, this one seems to be one of the better ones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juXSBoYVW08

denismc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122421155#Comment_122421155

That's what thought but I checked, it's not wired, in those videos the kit plugs into a factory fitted connection which is missing in my car.

Also there is an empty slot in the fusebox for connecting to hitch wiring.

To be honest I am only going to use the hitch for a bike rack so I will see about wiring it further down the line.

zg3409

Beware modern cars have all sorts of non typical wiring to lights such as a data connection between front of car and led light cluster with a computer inside. Modern cars also like to know they are towing and they go into a tow mode, disable reverse parking beep sensors, modify traction control system knowing their is probably a trailer behind. It can vary model to model and as said some need to be ordered from.the factory for extra tow wiring. Often wiring needs to run to from of car all the way from the rear etc.

If it's for bikes only you may be able to get some sort of stick on sensors on each light such as a similar Bluetooth wireless trailer lights (this needs a trailer light socket fitted)

https://ige.ie/rechargeable-wireless-magnetic-rear-tail-led-tail-lights?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwzIK1BhAuEiwAHQmU3sDsdlAo74X_c6vk99aiaEh0rEwWa8vVMFEmV0UaILW7-vNGuADyohoC4MwQAvD_BwE

Buffman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122422222#Comment_122422222

Sounds like the penny pinchers stuck again or else your model isn't rated for towing. Have you asked a dealer about it? Before doing anything non-OEM with the electrics, definitely check how it will affect the warranty. I can almost predict the answer, but best to get it from the horses mouth.

ongarite

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122416735#Comment_122416735

What spec of Ioniq 5? Only the top spec models are compatible with towing kits for lights.

If you do go third party & splice wires, Hyundai will invalidate your remaining warranty.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058360770/oem-tow-hitch-wiring-any-issues

I had a neighbour who did it and damaged his ECU. Modern cars do not have a wiring loom to the rear - they have a signal wire and a subsidery ECU to handle the lights and other functionsvat the rear. So do your research before attempting to do this as you could run into trouble.

denismc

Its Exec, so not wired for it, something I didn't check when buying so I will just have to leave it as is, as I am only going to use for a bike carrier anyway.