Hello,
I am planning to rent a uhaul trailer to move my stuff. I am new jaguar owner and was able to buy the hitch online, but having trouble finding the right wiring harness for trailer wiring. I would be glad if someone point where I can buy the right wiring to power the trailer lights.

I am a complete novice to anything car related stuff, so any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

 

I have no experience with putting a hitch on a Jaguar.
What exactly do you need?
A wiring diagram?
That is downloadable...

 

I would certainly not wire direct to the rear lamp system, due to the somewhat fragile electonics controlling them. For valiudation, check archives for "light stuck on" or similiar. There is a connector in the trunk for connection to a trailer, but I am pretty sure that even it is designed for a repeater or isolator adapter system. I assume that U-Haul sells relay isolaters these days.
If you need the wiring colors from the trailer connector,either check the diagram for rear exterior lights from the JIC CD, or check back and someone will most likely transcribe the colors / functions for you.

 

be honest to say that, any Jags are not right to do that hauling job.

 

Thanks for the replies. I bought one online at etrailer.com. Lets hope it works out. I will post the outcome in a week

 

I have a hitch on both my Jags, You should have little problem with a 2k trailer with your XJ provided you're not gonna overheat the tranny with lots of hills, etc. My X does fine with 2k, Semi okay up to 3k for short distances. XJ shouldn't have any problems with 4k or so if I needed to tow it. As for wiring, I'm hoping you got a converter which uses the rear lights as a signal and sends power from the battery. Like this pricey one, I paid $20 for mine from Summit Racing.
http://www.trailerhitches.com/electr...dule119146.cfm
You'll also need to run a 10amp fuse and wire from the battery to the module. You'd be much better off soldering in the wiring as the Jag has very small wires (hence the inability to take the load of the extra lights) rather than trying to use the clips that come with it. I don't think you'll even break the insulation. If you don't have a soldering iron, shrink wrap and a heat gun head to harbor freight and out the door you'll have the soldering supplies you need to do it right for $25 or so. A test light or a volt meter should be able to tell you which wire is which if you run 'em one at a time.

Don't listen to the "a jag isn't a tow vehicle" Sure it has some limitations but for light towing you should have little problems. I'm guessing the nay-sayers think you should drive a hideous poor hanlding truck or Rover for towing a small trailer. They're just jealous they don't look as good as you when they need to tow a trailer. Personally, I'd rather use my Jag for what it is a well built tank made by people who tow with Mini Coopers! PM me if you have more specific questions as I just wired the XJR a week ago!

Took me about 2 hours to wire mine in to do it right so it will last as long as the car does. A novice maybe 3 hours once you get over the... I just cut my harness point. Use 10-12 gauge wiring for the power module and put your fuse as close to the battery or chosen power source as possible (XJR has a spot even closer right by the fuse box back there).

If you haven't ordered the hitch yet I'd suggest JC Whitney. Paid $150 for mine shipped with a quick coupon search for an extra 20 percent off.

As for the hitch install. Two people is very helpful and you'll want to gob up the nut on a long handle pretty good as it goes into the tow hook area with the hitch down, then you need to put the hitch in place and "hope that it held in place so you can put the bolt through it. Took a bit but I figured it out after a couple tries and a couple sliding down issues. Do this bolt first as it helps line everything else up for drilling.

 

I also pull a 2 K trailer with my XJ8 as I did with my XJ6. If you have a hitch all you need is a converter to adapt your brake and signal lamps to a combined lamp system. These converter can be purchased at any traile shop.

 

I strongly disagree. You are adding +-6 amps to the existing circuit which is running on a 20 gauge wire. While probably ok for short periods the extra load will fry the wiring slowly if used for extended periods. Personally I don't want to run the risk of frying wires. I already had the pleasure of replacing most of the TVRs harness to its lights because the previous owner felt the need to go with 10w brighter bulbs. The copper got so hot it looked like aluminum.

 

benebob:
I BELIEVE Quiet is referring to an interposing relay box when he mentioned a converter. The jag ius actually set up for such a converter. But, having been inside the SLM module to replace an output SS switch, I strongly agree that simply paralleling the trailer with the rear lights will lead to a very quick disaster.

 

This is a oneline for the 98 XJ http://www.gusglikas.com/images/Auto.../jagxj1998.pdf

 

Thanks for the support, as the load is on the trailer converter( separate 12v feed from Battery) there is no damage to vehicle harness.

 

@benebob: Hi I tried PM you but it won't let me. I am looking at options of wiring my Towbar/Hitch to my 2001 XJ8 and if I can't get the factory module I'll have to use a setup like yours. Would you be able to PM me some more details please?

Thanks mate

 

The wiring diagram shows dedicated wiring for traileri wiring. And the owners manuals mention a harness that is tucked away in the trunk.

 

I know the harness is there, but it is useless without the trailer module from the factory. I have looked at the wiring diagram, but thought I'd ask Benebob as he mentioned he recently wired his car so could give me some hints & tips perhaps?

Thanks Anyway.

 

This might help http://www.gusglikas.com/images/Auto.../jagxj2001.pdf

 

I purchased a Curt Trailer Hitch and a Trailer wire converter from Curt. This is a standard 4 bulb to 2 bulb converter with no load on vehicle harness as it has it`s own power and ground. Just Goggle Curt traler Hitches, Lots of suppliers.