Hey all. Im looking to actually use my torklift hitch with an actual trailer (and not just my bike rack!) so I thought I would struggle through the install. Now that I've spent a few hours researching all of the threads, I would like to condense the information here, ask some questions, and then update it once im done installing with pictures and helpful information. While there are a lot of threads on this topic, there isn't a really good "how to" nor is there a centralized thread with all of the relevant info. So hopefully this will be helpful to those after me!
Questions I have right now ....
-Is Fuse harness required? Top Amazon review says "THE KIT IS INCOMPLETE AND YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL "Wire kit 118150 or 118151 sold separately"
Is this true? I see another reviewer that said they installed it on their model S and it worked and a TM3 user who doesn't speak english very well complaining that it doesn't work. 118151 appears to be a kit to connect separate power modules? 118151 appears to have the fuse kit missing in the picture?
https://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-118150-Trailer-Module-Wiring/dp/B01CKL9TEE
- Is there a reason people are paying $295 at the etrailer site for this same kit instead of $133 at amazon? going by the pictures I see there is a fuse harness box on the etrailer pic. Is this required to complete the installation? I read on the amazon description "Re-settable short circuit/overload protection - guards itself and the tow vehicle from shorts and wiring install mishaps; rated at 4.2 amps for turn/stop circuits, 7.5 amps for taillight circuit" ...so I was thinking if it has built in circuit protection the fuse harness is not required?
- What is the best route to run the 12V from the front to the rear?
I've ordered -
Tekonsha ZCI (no splice) harness wiring module
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHRYPFK/
https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tekonsha/119250KIT.html
There is a pretty good installation video from etrailer with this ZCI module that goes through which wires are your turn signal vs running light signal plus the GND location here -
TM3 Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2018 Tesla Model 3 - YouTube
Here is the easiest 12V power source -
And a link to the 5mm spade connector used to plug into that power source -
https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-1-187-Insulated-Female-Connectors/dp/B006Z95W8U/
For alternative power sources (but much harder to access) we have the rear trunk -
12v constant in rear trunk
To the left of the steering wheel there is the power supply that leads to the 12V cigarette adapter in the center dash (which seems a bit easier than accessing the cigarette adapter directly?)
Accessing the center dash cigarette adapter 12V -
Dome light 12V -
Questions I have right now ....
-Is Fuse harness required? Top Amazon review says "THE KIT IS INCOMPLETE AND YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL "Wire kit 118150 or 118151 sold separately"
Is this true? I see another reviewer that said they installed it on their model S and it worked and a TM3 user who doesn't speak english very well complaining that it doesn't work. 118151 appears to be a kit to connect separate power modules? 118151 appears to have the fuse kit missing in the picture?
https://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-118150-Trailer-Module-Wiring/dp/B01CKL9TEE
- Is there a reason people are paying $295 at the etrailer site for this same kit instead of $133 at amazon? going by the pictures I see there is a fuse harness box on the etrailer pic. Is this required to complete the installation? I read on the amazon description "Re-settable short circuit/overload protection - guards itself and the tow vehicle from shorts and wiring install mishaps; rated at 4.2 amps for turn/stop circuits, 7.5 amps for taillight circuit" ...so I was thinking if it has built in circuit protection the fuse harness is not required?
- What is the best route to run the 12V from the front to the rear?
I've ordered -
Tekonsha ZCI (no splice) harness wiring module
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHRYPFK/
https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tekonsha/119250KIT.html
There is a pretty good installation video from etrailer with this ZCI module that goes through which wires are your turn signal vs running light signal plus the GND location here -
TM3 Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2018 Tesla Model 3 - YouTube
Here is the easiest 12V power source -
And a link to the 5mm spade connector used to plug into that power source -
https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-1-187-Insulated-Female-Connectors/dp/B006Z95W8U/
For alternative power sources (but much harder to access) we have the rear trunk -
12v constant in rear trunk
To the left of the steering wheel there is the power supply that leads to the 12V cigarette adapter in the center dash (which seems a bit easier than accessing the cigarette adapter directly?)
Accessing the center dash cigarette adapter 12V -
Dome light 12V -