What
is a ModuLite, ModuLite Lite And ModuLite HD?
A ModuLite is a trailer light power supply module which provides
power to the trailer lights directly from the tow vehicle's
battery. By powering the trailer lights in this manner, the tow
vehicle's tail, turn and stop light circuits are not exposed to
any additional loads.
Why Is This Important?
In many cases the tail, turn and stop light circuits of today's
vehicles are connected with light gauge wire, designed only to
carry enough current to supply the lights the vehicle is
equipped with. Additionally, some vehicles are equipped with
sensitive electronic devices, such as "lamp-out"
sensors, which are designed to monitor the vehicle's electrical
system and warn the driver of problems with that system.
The additional load of trailer
lights on these devices can cause them to react falsely and in
some cases may lead to their failure.
Which Vehicles Need A ModuLite?
-
Is the vehicle equipped with
any option packages that include a lamp-out sensor or other
electronic devices that could be damaged by attaching
trailer lights directly to the vehicle's electrical system?
If so, a ModuLite is required.
-
Is the trailer being towed
equipped with more that one light assembly per side? Does it
have clearance lights, dual tail, turn or stop lights or any
other equipment that will impose an extra load? If so, a
ModuLite is required.
-
Is this the only trailer the
driver will ever tow? Consider future requirements as well
as current ones. In future applications, a ModuLite may be
required.
Are There Other Ways To
Determine The Need For A ModuLite?
Yes. Vehicle manufacturers caution consumers against adding
additional loads to electrical circuits. Consult the vehicle
owner's manual when recommending trailer wiring. The following
are two examples from owner's manuals:
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to the
lighting system of your vehicle. Use an approved trailer wiring
harness. Failure to do so could damage the vehicle electrical
system and/or result in personal injury."
Dodge Ram Pickup
"Towing a trailer equipped with more than the standard
lighting (turn, tail, stop and back-up lamps) may cause an
abnormally high electrical draw through the headlamp switch,
causing the switch to fail."
Does A ModuLite Take The Place
Of A Taillight Convertor?
Yes. ModuLites are designed for use on vehicles that have
separate tail, turn and stop light circuits and converts them to
standard trailer light wiring configuration. ModuLite and
ModuLite HD also feature a hazard flasher override circuit. If
the hazard flashers are engaged and brakes are applied, brake
lights will be shown on the trailer. This is an added safety
feature that most taillight convertors do not provide.
Can I Still Use A ModuLite If I
Don't Need A Convertor?
Yes. They can be used on any vehicle that requires a reduction
of load on its electrical system.
What Other Features Do ModuLites
Provide?
Because a ModuLite receives its power directly from the tow
vehicle's battery and not the turn signal circuit, the need for
a heavy duty turn signal flasher is eliminated. Their advanced
circuitry provides maximum trailer light brightness.
How Long Does It Take To Install
A ModuLite?
Approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on the difficulty of
running the power supply wire from the battery to the rear of
the vehicle.
What Does The Wiring Kit (18151)
Contain?
Wiring kit 18151 comes with everything needed to install a
ModuLite including 20 ft. of special undercar 12 ga. wire, fuse,
fuse holder and attaching terminals.
Which ModuLite
Do I Need?
To determine which trailer light power module you may need,
follow these basic guidelines. Add the number of amps required
on the trailer you will be towing (see below). If the total is
less than 4 amps per light circuit, ModuLite-Lite is
recommended. If the total is between 4 and 10 amps ModuLite is
recommended. If the total is more than 10 amps, a ModuLite HD is
required. Remember to also consider your future towing needs.
While ModuLite-Lite may be adequate for their current trailer, a
different trailer may have a higher amperage requirement making
ModuLite or ModuLite HD the better choice.
Estimating Trailer Amperage Per
Circuit
Protector
