wiring harness placement on a car?

[vtrider]

So i just installed a hitch and wiring harness on my focus and I'm wondering where people leave the lead that goes to the trailer, in the trunk or under the car? I have mine ran under the car but I'm a little worried about the plug hanging in the water while launching the ski... What do you guys think?

[golferdude]

Under the bumper under the car. Get some clips that can hold the excess up.

[SCHNORR12]

I leave mine in my trunk and pull it out as needed, it keeps it much safer from the elements.

[K447]

I leave mine in my trunk and pull it out as needed, it keeps it much safer from the elements.

+1

Keeping the wiring and connector inside the truck keeps it out of trouble, out of the weather, away from road grit and cannot get snagged or damaged when not in use.

Just find a way to run it out the trunk and not get trapped in the latch and bunched up in the weatherstripping.

The flat cable can be formed to match the contour of the trunk lip and somewhat 'remembers' that shape from one time to the next. I have had zero issues with wear or damage, both weatherstrip and cable look good after many dozens of cycles. When not being used, inside the trunk I tuck it away under the edge of the floor mat or into a corner.

My cables have a rubber end cap to help keep the pins protected, but that cap would not provide 100% protection if left hanging outside or under the bumper.

[K447]

So i just installed a hitch and wiring harness on my focus and I'm wondering where people leave the lead that goes to the trailer, in the trunk or under the car? I have mine ran under the car but I'm a little worried about the plug hanging in the water while launching the ski... What do you guys think?

When the car plug is fully mated together with the trailer connector there should be almost zero exposed metal at the pins. I have had no issues with leaving the connector connected while launching in fresh water, but my connector is also high enough up that it does not normally get wet when launching. Gets plenty wet in the rain, of course.

If you apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the pins then it should be even more water resistant and getting wet should not be an issue.

[Fink]

If you apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the pins then it should be even more water resistant and getting wet should not be an issue.

Even if you do not plan on dunking your connector, dielectric grease is still a good idea. Apply to both vehicle and trailer connectors. You can pick up a small tear open one time application packet at most auto parts stores for under $1.