Help with trailer wiring

[trd_4runnin]

So my 4Runner is a Limited and had a hitch on it when I bought it, so i am assuming that it had the tow package from the factory but I recently discovered that the wires coming out of the 4-pin connector don't go anywhere at all. There is only about 3 feet of wire and they were just looped up over the frame-rail so that they didn't hang down. I recently purchased a new 4-pin connector with 4 feet of wire thinking I could just pull the panels in the back and splice into the factory wire harness for the tail and turn signals. After a call to a auto/truck accessories place they guy there informed me that the 4Runner's wires would probably not be able to put out enough amperage to run the trailer lights too, and that I would need to buy some converter box for the brake lights too????

So I ask you, what is the cheapest way to get the trailer lights ran? If someone with trailer lights already ran on their Limited could do some investigative work and let me know how its set up, or someone has done this and knows what I need to buy ...the help would be appreciated. Don't talk to me about plug and play harness and what not. This is only temporary and I need it to be as cheap as possible. Thanks!

 

[Charlee78]

My Runner has spliced wires in the back of the tail lights and I never had problems with it...

 

[RickC]

You can splice into your existing wiring. Green is right turn signal, Yellow is left turn signal, White is Ground, Black is tail/brakes.

 

[trd_4runnin]

You can splice into your existing wiring. Green is right turn signal, Yellow is left turn signal, White is Ground, Black is tail/brakes.

Thanks for the help guys. Now anyone know which wires I need to tap into on the existing harness? Or will that part be self explanatory when I get to the back of the tails?

 

[RickC]

I am not sure on the 4runner. What I have done on past vehicles is remove the tail light to verify the correct wires to tap. You can then either tap into them up at the light, or chase the wire down closer to the center of the vehicle to save wire.

 

[maine runner]

The factory wiring for the 4 pin flat connector includes a converter box mounted inside the trim piece on the left side of the cargo box (I know this since mine blew out).

Regardless, the factory one is expensive and a rip off.

Go to any decent auto parts place (NAPA, Autozone, Pep Boys etc) and get a trailer harness package. It should include the wires with plugin connectors to the tail lights, a converter and the wires and connector to the hitch.

The install is straight forward.

Remove the cargo hatch floor trim piece (screws and clips). Remove cargo cover hook on right side

You will want pull (starting at the bottom) out the inside trim piece to access the connectors for the tail lights.

The new converter can be tucked inside the cargo side trim (velcro it to the wall.). Three wires connect to the right side and one wire crosses over to the left tail light. Route the wire to the left tail light under the door trim piece.

The harness wires can go under the floor carpet and down using one of the rubber grommets in the floor. Use zip ties to the frame and route to the hitch frame.

Hoppy is one brand. Here is what it should look like:

Here are the instructions for the Hoppy brand kit (via Yotatech

Instructions