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moremorevan Samba Member
Joined: April 10, 2012 Posts: 92 Location: Portland
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Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 7:23 pm Post subject: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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 |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32432 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7402 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:00 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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Likewise, I used a Curt trailer light converter and brought power from the same box...
But I added a junction box for the taillight wires to ensure they're accessible for things like back-up cams, etc....
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
_________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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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). |
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9.5isCanadian Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2017 Posts: 465 Location: In your blind spot.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:30 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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
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 |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7402 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:47 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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.
_________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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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). |
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9.5isCanadian Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2017 Posts: 465 Location: In your blind spot.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 8:01 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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 |
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16CVs Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2004 Posts: 4020 Location: Redwood City, California
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 8:32 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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. |
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9.5isCanadian Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2017 Posts: 465 Location: In your blind spot.
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:38 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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 |
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fxr Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2014 Posts: 2300 Location: Bay area CA
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:47 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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:
_________________ Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300 |
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bobbyblack Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015 Posts: 4332 Location: United States, Iowa
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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 |
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16CVs Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2004 Posts: 4020 Location: Redwood City, California
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:32 pm Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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. |
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Back to top |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7402 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:07 pm Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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...
But I added a junction box for the taillight wires to ensure they're accessible for things like back-up cams, etc....
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
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_________________ - 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). |
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9.5isCanadian Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2017 Posts: 465 Location: In your blind spot.
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Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:15 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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 ...........
I built a basic hitch yesterday and was pretty happy with the result.
_________________ 9 1/2 - missing a few pieces.
1987 Getaway Hightop
1980 Sunroof Vanagon
2018 BMW R Nine T
2012 Golf tdi |
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9.5isCanadian Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2017 Posts: 465 Location: In your blind spot.
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Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:10 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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 |
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9.5isCanadian Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2017 Posts: 465 Location: In your blind spot.
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Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:11 am Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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 |
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indianpeaksjoe Samba Member
Joined: July 27, 2017 Posts: 301 Location: Moab, UT
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Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2022 8:54 pm Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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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 |
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Andymon Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015 Posts: 312 Location: Medford, OR
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Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 2:19 pm Post subject: Re: GoWesty Trailer wiring Harness |
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I bought the same one on Amazon for $27 and free shipping. Haven't hooked it up yet.
_________________ "Blanch" '85 Westy
"Too many freaks and not enough circuses". |
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