Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
moremorevan
Samba Member


Joined: April 10, 2012
Posts: 92
Location: Portland
moremorevan is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 7:23 pm    Post subject: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

Hi, I'm having a problem getting this GoWesty trailer wiring harness to work. I tapped into the wires in the little black box in the front left side of the engine compartment then ran the 4 flat pin converter to a 7 pin converter and connected that to the trailer, but I get nothing. Has anyone successfully used one of these from them? Do I tap into the white connector on the van downstream or upstream, does it matter?

thanks
_________________
89 westfalia
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 3:50 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

Most of us have never seen GoWesty's convertor.

Pictures might help.

I used this Hopkins one, I also made my connections in the same black box, it works just fine.

Looking at photos, GoWesty and my Hopkins look like the same product. $40 + ridiculous shipping for GoWesty, $20 and free shipping for Hopkins.
https://www.gowesty.com/product/hitch-accessories/3220/trailer-wiring-kit?v=

Dumb question but there are several 7 pin connectors in there, you used the proper one?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002Q81XK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jimf909 Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7402
Location: WA/ID
jimf909 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:00 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

Likewise, I used a Curt trailer light converter and brought power from the same box...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


But I added a junction box for the taillight wires to ensure they're accessible for things like back-up cams, etc....
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


When you say you get nothing, are you diagnosing nothing at the four pin connector, before the seven pin converter?

This is a handy diagnostic tool...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019LYDLQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
- Jim

Abscate wrote:
Do not get killed, do not kill others.


Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.

Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
9.5isCanadian
Samba Member


Joined: September 16, 2017
Posts: 465
Location: In your blind spot.
9.5isCanadian is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:30 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

moremorevan wrote:

snip
I tapped into the wires in the little black box in the front left side of the engine compartment then ran the 4 flat pin converter to a 7 pin
SNIP


jimf909 wrote:
Likewise, I used a Curt trailer light converter and brought power from the same box...
SNIP


Great timing for this topic Exclamation
Today I'm building my hitch and was mulltemplating the wiring as I drove to to work.

I would be very appreciative for any pictures of the black box referenced.

Thanks all,
Owen
_________________
9 1/2 - missing a few pieces.

1987 Getaway Hightop
1980 Sunroof Vanagon
2018 BMW R Nine T
2012 Golf tdi
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jimf909 Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7402
Location: WA/ID
jimf909 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:47 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

This black box has a hot post coming directly from the starter/alternator/battery post on the starter. I used it to get 12v to power the trailer light harness. I brought signals from the taillights directly from the taillights. This is a bostig conversion so wiring looks a bit different.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
- Jim

Abscate wrote:
Do not get killed, do not kill others.


Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.

Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
9.5isCanadian
Samba Member


Joined: September 16, 2017
Posts: 465
Location: In your blind spot.
9.5isCanadian is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 8:01 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

jimf909 wrote:
This black box has a hot post coming directly from the starter/alternator/battery post on the starter. I used it to get 12v to power the trailer light harness. I brought signals from the taillights directly from the taillights. This is a bostig conversion so wiring looks a bit different.


Thank you.
That helps a ton.
Owen
_________________
9 1/2 - missing a few pieces.

1987 Getaway Hightop
1980 Sunroof Vanagon
2018 BMW R Nine T
2012 Golf tdi
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
16CVs Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: February 22, 2004
Posts: 4020
Location: Redwood City, California
16CVs is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 8:32 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

You need to get a "KURT" unit which is powered. These work with diodes and drop the output.

The powered ones are far superior and give you nice bright trailer lights. You are going about it correctly by wiring it all into the breakout box. The KURT powered unit just fits into the box. I always like to cover the trailer wiring with heat shrink when doing the install. Depending on what type of plug you're using they make nice mounting brackets so its not dragging on the ground.

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address Gallery Classifieds Feedback
9.5isCanadian
Samba Member


Joined: September 16, 2017
Posts: 465
Location: In your blind spot.
9.5isCanadian is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:38 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

16CVs wrote:
You need to get a "KURT" unit which is powered. These work with diodes and drop the output.

Stacy


Thanks for the info but I've been searching the Curt site and they don't seem to offer anything for the van. Are you using some universal set up made by Curt.

https://www.curtmfg.com/all-products/1987/volkswagen/vanagon/7/Class+1+Trailer+Hitches
_________________
9 1/2 - missing a few pieces.

1987 Getaway Hightop
1980 Sunroof Vanagon
2018 BMW R Nine T
2012 Golf tdi
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
fxr
Samba Member


Joined: December 07, 2014
Posts: 2300
Location: Bay area CA
fxr is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:47 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

I made my own trailer light converter with three relays. The normal ones sold in places like HF can't cope with the voltage drops present in the Vanagon.

This connects directly with the wires just adjacent to the LH rear light cluster:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
bobbyblack Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4332
Location: United States, Iowa
bobbyblack is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 1:38 pm    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

I see the advantages of kits.

I also see that the connectors in the black box for the tail lights are available, you can easily find out what goes to where and splice in a generic trailer lead. That way, you hack the wires you are adding, not cutting into the wires that are existing.

(These are typically used for Subaru conversion, but the connector is the same as the tail lights plugs)

https://www.vancafe.com/803971979-p/803971979.htm

https://www.vancafe.com/803971980-p/803971980.htm

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-58050-Vehicle-Trailer-...mp;sr=8-47
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
16CVs Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: February 22, 2004
Posts: 4020
Location: Redwood City, California
16CVs is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:32 pm    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

No Curt does not make a plug and play unit. I have made a few of them myself, but for the time it takes you can just wire in the box and get your power 12+ which is in the box. It makes a big difference in the brightness of the tail lights and is not that hard to do.

I generally am not a fan of wire taps, but if in an enclosed box they are better than other options.

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jimf909 Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7402
Location: WA/ID
jimf909 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:07 pm    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

16CVs wrote:
No Curt does not make a plug and play unit. I have made a few of them myself, but for the time it takes you can just wire in the box and get your power 12+ which is in the box. It makes a big difference in the brightness of the tail lights and is not that hard to do.

I generally am not a fan of wire taps, but if in an enclosed box they are better than other options.

Stacy


A few posts above shows a Curt install using this unit in the photo below...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010QCH7VG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And this junction box...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QDQRX7P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The taillight signal was soldered to wires at the taillight and routed to the junction box for future options such as tow bars lights, backup cams, etc.

fxr's relays are also a good option.

jimf909 wrote:
Likewise, I used a Curt trailer light converter and brought power from the same box...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


But I added a junction box for the taillight wires to ensure they're accessible for things like back-up cams, etc....
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


When you say you get nothing, are you diagnosing nothing at the four pin connector, before the seven pin converter?

This is a handy diagnostic tool...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019LYDLQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
- Jim

Abscate wrote:
Do not get killed, do not kill others.


Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.

Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
9.5isCanadian
Samba Member


Joined: September 16, 2017
Posts: 465
Location: In your blind spot.
9.5isCanadian is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:15 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

Yesterday I was able to sleuth out the following Curt models that are alleged to work with the Vanagon

Curt: C59236 (confirmed by @jimf909 and their Amazon link above)
C56175 (non powered)

and a Hopkins model HM48925

This was clipped from the Curt site indicating the models that fit the C59236. If you ask your parts store for a kit to fit these vehicles it may be easier than explaining that Yes, Volkswagen made a van "back then" and yes the motor is in the rear ...........

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I built a basic hitch yesterday and was pretty happy with the result.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
9 1/2 - missing a few pieces.

1987 Getaway Hightop
1980 Sunroof Vanagon
2018 BMW R Nine T
2012 Golf tdi
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
9.5isCanadian
Samba Member


Joined: September 16, 2017
Posts: 465
Location: In your blind spot.
9.5isCanadian is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:10 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

So just an update in the event someone later on is searching for trailer wire hook up info.

I used the Curt Curt: C59236 kit and it took me roughly an hour.

The Vanagon is a three wire system (as defined by the Curt installation document included with the kit) and all the wires you need are accessed easily via the connection box shown earlier in this thread.
The tail light wires are all in one connector, which I unplugged for ease of access.

Vanagon wires referenced from the Bently manual.
Left signal: Black/White
Right signal: Black/Green
Tail light: Grey/Black
Brake light: Black/Red

Power for the curt is picked picked up from the hot stud inside the terminal box and I grounded it to the engine.

Owen
_________________
9 1/2 - missing a few pieces.

1987 Getaway Hightop
1980 Sunroof Vanagon
2018 BMW R Nine T
2012 Golf tdi
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
9.5isCanadian
Samba Member


Joined: September 16, 2017
Posts: 465
Location: In your blind spot.
9.5isCanadian is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:11 am    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

So just an update in the event someone later on is searching for trailer wire hook up info.

I used the Curt Curt: C59236 kit and it took me roughly an hour.

The Vanagon is a three wire system (as defined by the Curt installation document included with the kit) and all the wires you need are accessed easily via the connection box shown earlier in this thread.

jimf909 wrote:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


The tail light wires are all in one connector, which I unplugged for ease of access.

Vanagon wires referenced from the Bently manual.
Left signal: Black/White
Right signal: Black/Green
Tail light: Grey/Black
Brake light: Black/Red

Power for the curt is picked picked up from the hot stud inside the terminal box and I grounded it to the engine.

Owen
_________________
9 1/2 - missing a few pieces.

1987 Getaway Hightop
1980 Sunroof Vanagon
2018 BMW R Nine T
2012 Golf tdi
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
indianpeaksjoe
Samba Member


Joined: July 27, 2017
Posts: 301
Location: Moab, UT
indianpeaksjoe is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2022 8:54 pm    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

Just wanted to say this helped me solve my marker lights coming on when the brakes were pressed problem. I had some super janky wiring spliced right into the brake lights going to a trailer plug. I removed it all and it solved it !

-Joe
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Andymon
Samba Member


Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 312
Location: Medford, OR
Andymon is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 2:19 pm    Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness Reply with quote

I bought the same one on Amazon for $27 and free shipping. Haven't hooked it up yet.

djkeev wrote:
Most of us have never seen GoWesty's convertor.

Pictures might help.

I used this Hopkins one, I also made my connections in the same black box, it works just fine.

Looking at photos, GoWesty and my Hopkins look like the same product. $40 + ridiculous shipping for GoWesty, $20 and free shipping for Hopkins.
https://www.gowesty.com/product/hitch-accessories/3220/trailer-wiring-kit?v=

Dumb question but there are several 7 pin connectors in there, you used the proper one?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002Q81XK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Dave

_________________
"Blanch" '85 Westy
"Too many freaks and not enough circuses".
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.