Trailer wiring? (internal vs external)

[98 SNAKE EATER]

OK, I see there are basically two types of quick connect trailer wiring harness' for the 80

1) The Hoppy (most common around here) which connects to the light plugs within the interior on both sides...

2) The E-trailer which connects to plugs somewhere near the right side of the spare tire...

Which is a better choice and why?




On a sidenote, I've already picked up an e-trailer type, but have yet to open it...

 

[Romer]

Your saying your rig isn't pre-wired in the passenger rear qtr panel?

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Your saying your rig isn't pre-wired in the passenger rear qtr panel?

I'm sure it is, I just haven't checked yet


What I'm asking is which wiring setup is better and why



Here's how the Hoppy is wired (from the inside)

And here's how the e-trailer type is wired (from the outside)

*Courtesy of TomH's rig*

 

[scottm]

My original trailer wiring failed long ago on both 80s. I installed external plug-n-play kits, it was easy, but the wiring in the factory plugs was corroded and failed. I bypassed the plugs and all was well, but not so plug-n-play.

 

[Brentbba]

I've had excellent experience with the Hoppy. It's plug and play to the molex connectors behind the two rear quarter panels. It's lasted longer than the OEM harness kit I got with the hitch!

 

[podiev]

Your saying your rig isn't pre-wired in the passenger rear qtr panel?

Are HJD81s (Prod Date: Oct 1990) pre-wired as well for trailer wiring? Or the pre-wiring applies only to US-specs LCs?

How can I check? Just look for two free molex connectors on the rear quarter panel?

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

I just took a peek under my rig and found the connectors sandwiched between the spare and the rear bumper....


I'm gunna give them a shot since I already have the basic non-hoppy harness...

Don't really have that many lights on my trailers, so I'm hoping it'll hold up...

 

[AJP]

go easy on those connectors ...my Canadian "winter experienced" 97 lx450 had one connector that had two corroded leads - the third holding on barely...at least remember what wires go where.. the FSM Electrical drawings explain all this ...but it took me a long time to understand

 

[photogod]

Living in the "rust belt" and having more than one external harness rust to hell I went with the Hoppy this time and kept the plug on the inside and hang it out through the tailgate when I need it. It seems to make so much more sence to keep the connections inside away from the wet and salt even though I seldome drive the 80 on the salty roads. The other connector is a POS and was what was what the PO put on. Lasted two years. JMHO.

 

[TomH]

I haven't had any problem with mine installed on the outside. One issue with the inside setup is you have to get the wires outside. Not a big deal - just have to get through the rubber grommet - which I didn't feel like doing.

Tom

 

[L8Shift]

My trailer has flat 5 connector for a reverse lock out, when backing up the trailer.... I wired in an adapter for now...

I like the round connectors mounted near the hitch that have a cover plate.