Trailer light converter

[Mark Rogers]

The owner's manual for my NVP says I'll need to install a powered converter in order to provide power to trailer lights. Is that necessary for all trailers, or does it depend on the trailer wiring? Is there a convenient place to connect the converter?

[Mark Rogers]

I found the answer.  Nissan's towing guide and the NV's owner's manual are both wrong.  If the van comes with the towing package, then it doesn't need an additional trailer light converter.  It already has one built in.  I found the schematic in the factory service manual and used a multimeter to verify that it's working.  There are relays in the van that control the power to the trailer lights.

 

Now I just need something to tow, and maybe a brake controller to go with it.   :)

[ASD Dad]

The brake controller connector is coiled up down by the parking brake pedal.  Large white connector.  My van had the connector pigtail in the glove box for hooking up my controller.  Makes things really easy to hook up and get it right.  A lot of controllers have vehicle specific harnesses you can buy to go with them to make it even easier.  

 

Tons of controllers to chose from.  Read reviews and check out designs to pick one.  The NV is a great tow vehicle.

[Mark Rogers]

I read about the brake controller connector, but I haven't gone looking for it yet.  I don't have any plans to buy a trailer yet.  I've been looking into the requirements out of curiosity more than anything.

 

That's odd that the pigtail was in your glove box.  It's supposed to be taped up under the dashboard, isn't it?

[ASD Dad]

No, the pigtail that attaches to the controller that plugs into the wire under the dashboard.  Controller -> pigtail -> under dash wiring.

 

You can use that and wire it to the controller or you can buy a vehicle specific pigtail from the controller company.  I have a Tekonsha and they sell a Nissan pigtail.  It plugs directly into the back of the controller and then directly into the under dash wire harness.