Wiring a MT trike for a trailer

[allanbegg]

All,

Basics; '93 GL1500 with a Motor Trike conversion.

Found out that the trike was never wired for trailer lights, even though it had a receiver on it and a hitch. I need to be able to tow the little Harbor Freight trailer with it. Trailer already wired up and has been behind the Shadow for a couple of years.

Bought a few things to get the project started.

Subharness kit with isolation relays in it.
5 Way to 4 Way adapter (compatible with LED lights on the trailer).
Round 4 Way plug (instead of flat-4).

My question is about the wiring routing. Where do I find the connectors that the subharness plugs into, and how should I route the wiring from that location to the underside of the Motor trike and back to the hitch?

In reading a little about the GL1500, it appears that the brake/tail/turn wiring connectors were under the top box, but that might not be true, after doing the M/T conversion.

On my Shadow, the rear wiring harness was under the seat and easily accessible.
Is the same true, for the GL1500?

Thanks, Allan

 

[Gold Rush]

Allen you have a bucket of worms there.... Well maybe a small cup full then.

Depending on the builder those wires could be anywhere from under the seat to strapped to the conversion frame somewhere. I'd suggest removing the seat and passenger backrest then maybe getting the rear end up in the air where you can get under it. follow the wires from the trike conversion tail lights back to the bike wiring. If it was done correctly it should be connected to the place you are hunting.

If you get desperate you could always splice into the tail light wires themselves since you aren't actually pulling current from them to run the lights just the isolation relays... I bet you'll find the connectors. :xszpv: :xszpv:

As far as routing goes. Just wire tie it to anything that keeps it out of moving parts and away from heat. GOOD LUCK !!!

 

[TwoBye]

Allen you have a bucket of worms there.... Well maybe a small cup full then.

Depending on the builder those wires could be anywhere from under the seat to strapped to the conversion frame somewhere. I'd suggest removing the seat and passenger backrest then maybe getting the rear end up in the air where you can get under it. follow the wires from the trike conversion tail lights back to the bike wiring. If it was done correctly it should be connected to the place you are hunting.

If you get desperate you could always splice into the tail light wires themselves since you aren't actually pulling current from them to run the lights just the isolation relays... I bet you'll find the connectors. :xszpv: :xszpv:

As far as routing goes. Just wire tie it to anything that keeps it out of moving parts and away from heat. GOOD LUCK !!!

Some pretty good advice there. I'd suggest reading it again and then following along step by step.

 

[cjmitch]

find the receipt for the harness you bought
Take it back
Call Electrical connections....
and order this harness for the 1500
http://www.electricalconnection.com/wire-harnesses/hrns-trailer.htm
Their stuff is plug-n-play, all you do is find the connectors which should be under the seats towards the back and disconnect the honda harness then plug the EC harness in between the 2 connectors you just separated. connect it to + & - then you are DONE with the electrical.
there should be enough cable for you to zip-tie the cable on the frame back to the hitch location.
is it a straight axle or an independent MT trike.

One question, is the bike connector one of those that attaches to the bike and hangs underneath the trunk. If so then be careful when backing up as I have seen those ripped off by high curbs, or parking lot concrete stops

 

[allanbegg]

Allen you have a bucket of worms there.... Well maybe a small cup full then.

The bucket of worms doesn't worry me. Although I am now in Marketing, I started my career and spent a lot of time as an Electronics Technician. Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Allan

- - - Updated - - -

find the receipt for the harness you bought
Take it back
Call Electrical connections....
and order this harness for the 1500
http://www.electricalconnection.com/wire-harnesses/hrns-trailer.htm
Their stuff is plug-n-play, all you do is find the connectors which should be under the seats towards the back and disconnect the honda harness then plug the EC harness in between the 2 connectors you just separated. connect it to + & - then you are DONE with the electrical.
there should be enough cable for you to zip-tie the cable on the frame back to the hitch location.
is it a straight axle or an independent MT trike.

One question, is the bike connector one of those that attaches to the bike and hangs underneath the trunk. If so then be careful when backing up as I have seen those ripped off by high curbs, or parking lot concrete stops

The subharness that I have is plug-n-play. The question I meant to ask was, "where are the plugs?"

The M/T is a straight axle. Thanks for the concern about the plug hanging down. I may have to revisit that, as I had a mounting location planned, but might have to change it.

Allan

 

[cjmitch]

The subharness that I have is plug-n-play. The question I meant to ask was, "where are the plugs?"

they should be under the passenger seat

The M/T is a straight axle.

Then there should be enough cable to route the isolater wires along the center of the trunk straight to the trailer hitch