Tekonsha ZCI (Zero Contact Interface) trailer wiring harness

[TimC]

Anyone have experience with the Tekonsha ZCI trailer wiring harness?

It's pricey but its supposed to do exactly what I need it to do... give me a four flat plug without cutting into any wires.

[steve cowan]

Seems like it would work alright.Hopkins makes a "simple vehicle to trailer" wiring kit which plugs into your vehicle wiring without cutting and provides a 4 flat plug
to connect to trailer.Cheaper than ZCI.Amazon carries them to fit certain cars.

[TimC]

Thanks Steve. I'm aware of plug and play harnesses. This is for an EV and with regenerative braking I don't want to take a chance of upsetting the controls (which according to EV folks could be problematic).

It's an expensive option but I think ZCI is the way I'll go.

[H.A.]

Interesting device !
I wonder how or if it can work work if the bulb on the sensed circuit is burnt out or otherwise not working.
My suspicion that Tekonsha thing wouldn't work as there is no current flowing in the sensed wire.

Anyone have experience with the Tekonsha ZCI trailer wiring harness?
It's pricey but its supposed to do exactly what I need it to do... give me a four flat plug without cutting into any wires.

[TimC]

Interesting device !
I wonder how or if it can work work if the bulb on the sensed circuit is burnt out or otherwise not working.
My suspicion that Tekonsha thing wouldn't work as there is no current flowing in the sensed wire.

Good point H.A. I didn't think of that. I don't see that as a huge problem since if it doesn't work because of a burnt bulb then it doesn't work anyway. Either way I would catch it when I test the trailer lights each time I hook up (Yeah, I'm a bit anal in that regard), or, someone says hey your turn signal doesn't work.

Still debating on the purchase. As of right now I don't have a need for a trailer light plug on the vehicle I'm referring to. Was considering a Road Toad from Camp Inn that I could finish out the way I want it for light weight but the latest on lead time is July 2024. Yes that timing is currently accurate, I talked to Craig in early January inquiring about making a deposit. Not sure that I want to wait that long.

Tim

[TimC]

I bit the bullet and ordered the Tekonsha ZCI wiring kit after some extensive research. I found it at a "more reasonable" price of $148.

I found this guy's writeup...

https://chrisalemany.ca/2020/06/14/installing-a-hitch-and-wiring-harness-into-a-2019-hyundai-kona-electric/

about installing the kit on the same model EV. He actually went with the splice in kit first, the Tekonsha Modulite HD Plus, and immediately killed the power unit. Exactly the reason I was avoiding splice in kits. He replaced that power unit with the ZCI and it worked like a charm.

I won't go into the installation process, he does a fine job there. I will say that the new kit works well. I installed an On/Off switch on the power source mounted in my way back wall panel. That avoids the occasional problem I read about where the always on power unit will drain the EV 12V battery. They put a very small battery in these vehicles and a constant drain might lead to surprises.

Now on to building that ultra light weight foamie I've been dreaming of for a while. Trailer chassis is assembled and ready for a floor.

Tim