How to wire non factory Tow Hitch ?

[Jc12]

I have vigorously searched for a thread to cover this.. and there are several but they all fall back on the one premise that there is a compartment behind the driver side wheel well which i cannot locate to help in the wiring.

I have a 99 4runner limited that never came with a hitch, i just installed one the other day and am now doing the wiring. My plan is to just splice to the tailight wires, however some of the bulbs have up to 3 wires leading to them so im unsure of which one i connect to? does anyone have experience with this OR a wiring diagram for the brake lights and turn signals .. thanks!

 

[Stick Figure]

There is an area back there where the box can sit, but you have to remove the panel. or at least pull it back. If you don't have the factory hitch you will have to add everything as far as I know. You will need a wiring adapter box or at least some diodes to isolate the signals.

 

[ryankmasuda]

I recently did mine on my 99' SR5. I picked up a kit from etrailer.com and it just plugs into a couple factory plugs in the rear. it's super easy. I was going to make my own and splice into the rear lights but it's a pain in the butt. I recommend just buying a kit

 

[98OzarksRunner]

Definitely buy the kit. I bought the Hopkins Plug-In 43415 from Amazon for $29 (now it's $26.39 with free shipping). It's about a 15 minute job with the kit. Complete instructions, piece of cake.

Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-43415-Simple-4Runner-1996-2002/dp/compatibility-chart/B0002Q7ZLO

 

[IanB]

Definitely get the plug and play harness, I bought mine off amazon. The extra $10 is well worth not having to tear out the entire rear side panels to access the wiring if you wanted to cut/soldier your own harness into place IMO.