[vitaminD]

Is anyone aware of a trailer light kit for '07 US EOS? My trailer guys (I've used on many cars in the past) are having difficulty locating a wiring kit; I think they're concerned about the LED tail lights.

Has anyone connected trailer lights to their EOS?

Thanks, Stephen

 

[evolvingpowercat]

I agree that the output current capability of the EOS control modules that drives the rear lights was not designed for 25 W trailer bulbs. Also the modules that drive all the bulbs on the EOS have current sensors that warn when bulbs burn out so drawing extra current can cause reliability issues within the modules. Finally the modules are EXPENSIVE and VW will not repair under warranty if they see the trailer light modification and suspect that is the cause of the module failure.

The right way to de-risk this is provide a trailer connector is to use a Trailer Light Power Isolator Module that only draws a very small current from the the rear lights to operate control circuits in the Module. The module provides the power to the trailer connector from a separate 12V power lead. I used the Modulite #118187 Isolator I purchased from usa-trailer-hitches.com with the EOS hitch I installed.

There is no good place to get 12V switched power in the back of the EOS I used the 12V switched power lead that feeds the Top Control Module in the left side of the trunk.

 

[vitaminD]

Thanks...much appreciated. I'm having this installed through the dealer as part of the purchase so I fully expect the installation to be supported.

I think your information will be helpful to the installer -- especially the power take-off point since running a line to the battery is a bit of a chore. I've used the hitch installer on four other vehicles and they've always installed isolated units (prior two vehicles were Jags with the same monitoring...the trunk mounted battery was a big help!).

Stephen

 

[evolvingpowercat]

A good reference source for your installer for how to remove the panels from the trunk to get to the power lead and which wire is the switched power lead is on mod4cars.com.

He can check out the installation instructions for the SmartTop Eos module which goes in where this power wire is, so it goes into good detail about what it takes to remove panels to get access.

Another choice which I did not use personally would be to run a wire to the 12V power outlet in the back of the center console between the two front seats.

 

[SiJ2000]

I agree with the suggestion of using the feeds into the roof controller.... They are very large cables and capable of supplying more current than a standard 12v power outlet...... Plus, you wouldn't use the roof with a trailer attached, so there will be no contention issues!

 

[vitaminD]

thanks everyone

Thanks everyone. The trailer I pull is a little clamshell rated at 750lbs. It's perfectly sized for weekend camp/backpack gear for a single father and three teenage daughters! Without trailer lights they'll miss out on the father-daughter bonding experience (ya...right!).

I believe the top will operative whilst trailering due to the trailer's shape. I'll post a picture when complete...

Stephen

P.S. Yes, I do get stares down in 'rkansas. Especially after doing this for 8 years behind a Jag XJ6/XJ8VDP.

 

[sparrow45]

EOS Traler wiring

Hi

I'm going through the same installation with the Modulite kit. What wires did you tap into for the green and brown wires to the module? My LEDs seem to be fed by two boxes on either side of the trunk. Did you tap in before or after these boxes and which color factory wires did you tap into? Help would be greatly appreciated!!

The instructions for EOS are not too specific.

John

 

[bluebikerider]

Here in Canada they have a kit at Curt Manufacturing comes with power module. So they have to have the kits in US. They give you instructions on how to run the wire to the battery

 

[voxmagna]

I believe the top will operative whilst trailering due to the trailer's shape.

That's not the case if the install follows VW OE spec. with a VW approved or compatible trailer control module. Their system is designed to inhibit the reversing sensor warning and to stop top down when the trailer plug is connected. The control module also lights up the trailer light on the dash and monitors for bulb failure on the trailer lighting board.

That makes absolute sense to me, but if you have a tow hitch without a front jockey wheel which will not obstruct the trunk lid on swing out, you may have to go native on the install without the protection. That would worry me because all it needs is a new owner or you forget and hitch up something else then your trunk lid and hinges get bent and are expensive toast! How you would do this would need some thinking about if you still wanted the reversing sensors to work with the hitch unplugged and to protect your rear should you call for roof down when there's an obstacle behind.

If you are looking at this and that hitch, ask about the VW or compatible control module. The only OE equivalent hitches and wiring I would use for the EOS are Westfalia and they know how to make them to give a neat fit inside the EOS rear bumper.

If the tow hitch is a genuine VW Stealer install or bought with a new car, it should work to VW spec. and will probably be Westfalia with a big markup for the VW install labor.
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