2003 4Runner trailer wiring?

T

testrider

Member
Hi all,

What kind of wiring connector is this behind the rear bumper? It's a round connector with I think 6 or 7 pins. Is this a generic connector?

My motorcycle trailer has a 4-pin flat connector (no electric brakes) and I'm trying to figure out how do I connect it to my 4Runner.

BTW, is this 2" solid stainless steel tow ball much better than the regular chrome one?

Thanks for any info.

-Mike-
 
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It's a round connector w/ I believe 7 pins. The connector has that flap that comes down when not in use.
 
There's a standard 7-pin to 4-pin converter you can get almost anywhere. I paid something like $10 at K-Mart for one. Toyota wanted $20 for it.

Your question about the tow ball -- mine didn't include one, so I can't comment. Toyota shipped my ball mount for a 1-1/4" shank, so I had to replace it anyway, as my tow balls (keep it clean, folks!! :p ) are 1" shanks. Toyota supplied an adapter but the tow balls I have still would not fit properly.
 
Thanks Neech and John,

So I guess I'll make a trip to my local Pepboys to get a 7-pin to 4-pin cable.

I saw this 2" solid stainless steel ball in my local Pepboy for $25 and thought may be it's a good idea. My old 2" chrome ball was all rusted after the 1st use.

-Mike-
 
When I had the F150, I bought one of the setups that has interchangeable balls on the shank. Still has plenty of towing capacity and gives me a bit more flexibility in case I tow something that isn't mine.

If memory serves, cost was slightly higher than one ball. Got it at a pickup truck specialty store. A regular parts store may have the same kind of thing.

To prevent rust, I also bought a tight-fitting cover for the ball.
 
it's mulch time. i need to buy a 7-pin to 4-pin cables.
i also need to buy 1 and 7/8 ball hitch.
 
I've seen those before. If the drop isn't right when flipped, you may as well just swap balls. Those things are best for very light trailers where hitch height is not as important as on a heavier trailer.
 
SteveM said:
I've seen those before. If the drop isn't right when flipped, you may as well just swap balls. Those things are best for very light trailers where hitch height is not as important as on a heavier trailer.
Click to expand...
I see what you said aout the drop. good to know that.
I may buy two separate balls, or two ball hollow shank if I need.
 
testrider said:
Hi all,

What kind of wiring connector is this behind the rear bumper? It's a round connector with I think 6 or 7 pins. Is this a generic connector?

My motorcycle trailer has a 4-pin flat connector (no electric brakes) and I'm trying to figure out how do I connect it to my 4Runner.

BTW, is this 2" solid stainless steel tow ball much better than the regular chrome one?

Thanks for any info.

-Mike-
Click to expand...

Mike, Walmart also carries balls including the stainless steel. I decided against stainless steel since I don't keep the ball in the receiver full time. Stainless only gives you an appearance advantage.
 
This past weekend I towed a 9' open air utlity trailer from Uhaul. I did buy a SS 6k ball from walmart and Uhaul put it on and gave me (for free) the adapter. Seems as though most trailers w/o braking systems use the standard 4 pin flat connector.

Boy did I notice a serious drop in gas mileage. Good thing I only made two 40 mile trips w/ about 3k lbs in tow.
 
Prozac,
Did you use the stock trailer ball mount or not.

The ball shank has to be 1 1/4" diameter to fit into the hole. I could not find a trailer ball 2"X1 1/4" locally. The largest shank is 1". I may have to buy a new trailer ball mount (6k lb)
 
I read on a uhaul pamphlet about the uniformity of the hitch and it mentioned a uhaul universal ball size requirement being 2 5/16" x 1 1/4" shank. I purchased a 2" x 1" ball and it worked just fine.

I did want to buy the 2" x 1" 7k ball, but the difference in price was outstanding. Near $7 vs $25.99. So the decision was obvious. BTW, they also gave me a locking pin.
 
I think 2"x1" should work for me. my neighbour's trailer works with 2" ball. Hauling a full load of mulch should not be too heavy to break the ball. The 7-pin to 4 pin adaptor costs $10 in my local store. It is nice U-Haul gave you for free.
 
yeah, it was nice that they gave me the 7 to 4 adapter and the key lock pin.

What was odd is that the trailer did not have an extention on the 4pin/lead wire. They had to make one up so that it extended to my adapter.
 
PROZAC said:
yeah, it was nice that they gave me the 7 to 4 adapter and the key lock pin.

What was odd is that the trailer did not have an extention on the 4pin/lead wire. They had to make one up so that it extended to my adapter.
Click to expand...

There is also a 7 to 4 adapter that has a coil cord to reach the trailer. I have seen it in Harbor Freight, and Sportsmen Guide catalogs and i believe it runs about $20.00.
 
testrider said:
Hi all,

What kind of wiring connector is this behind the rear bumper? It's a round connector with I think 6 or 7 pins. Is this a generic connector?

My motorcycle trailer has a 4-pin flat connector (no electric brakes) and I'm trying to figure out how do I connect it to my 4Runner.

BTW, is this 2" solid stainless steel tow ball much better than the regular chrome one?

Thanks for any info.

-Mike-
Click to expand...

Sounds like your trailer is similar to a U-Haul connector. You might want to check out the U-Haul dealers and see if their 'common' adaptors fit the 4-Runner and your trailer.
 
Bringing this up again...

I've been pulling smaller boats and 4wheeler trailers with flat4 connectors forever. With this 2004 4R I just acquired, I bought the 7 to 4 pin converter, then a short extension section to reach my trailers flat fours.
I would much rather install a permanent setup, someone will most likely steal this setup sooner or later.

Can't I buy a setup that plugs into the harness somewhere around the spare tire? I've seen this on various other vehicles before. Sort of T's off the existing harness under there.

If so, where to buy besides dealer?

Thx
Mark
 
It is almost mulch time again.....time flies

I don't know how easy you can find a wiring with one end 7 pins and the other end 4 pins.
If some one is going to steal your setup, this guy may find it is easier to steal your trailer.
 
mnormand said:
Bringing this up again...

I've been pulling smaller boats and 4wheeler trailers with flat4 connectors forever. With this 2004 4R I just acquired, I bought the 7 to 4 pin converter, then a short extension section to reach my trailers flat fours.
I would much rather install a permanent setup, someone will most likely steal this setup sooner or later.

Can't I buy a setup that plugs into the harness somewhere around the spare tire? I've seen this on various other vehicles before. Sort of T's off the existing harness under there.

If so, where to buy besides dealer?

Thx
Mark
Click to expand...

Try a Uhaul outlet. They have many towing accessories and converters.
 
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