Problem with trailer lights.

[wdhigh]

Noticed I had running lights but no brake lights on my trailer. Plugged my wifes runner in to the trailer and evrything works.

So, I start to check for bad wires and bad connections. In my search I trace the wires from my 4 way flat plug to a relay box of some sort stuffed in the rear under some carpet. It says toyota so its factory, and I got power to it so I am guessing here lay my problem. I take it to the dealer and after 30 minutes the guy finds it and tells me $96 to order.

Here is my dilema, do I have to have a new box or can I put it back in and buy some type of aftermarket kit to add trailer wires to my vehicle for a cheaper price?

Has anyone here delt with this? Trying not to dump a $100 if I don't have to.

Thanks!

 

[Stick Figure]

i cut my stock box out and put in a cheap replacement from auto zone. I had a single brake light out on mine, and if you search some of the other sites, you'll find this is a pretty common problem.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

go Hopkins

That is a good price for a factory tail light converter box but you can get something quite similar to them for around 35. on Amazon.

Hopkins kit #43415 should be plug and play. Mine should be here in a couple of days.

Checker or other auto parts stores likely can get it also for a higher price.

You might also want to pigtail your 4 pin connector with a Hopkins LED product. This allows you to check your functions at the hitch 4 pin, and no need to buy that separate tester. I have one and when I use my right or left turn signals it also lights up the corresponding LED on the 4 pin connector.

I have not figured out a way to make all the functions work properly without using this "black box" .

The box combines your brake light and headlights display functions out the back of the vehicle to your 4 pin tow connector without allowing the signals to combine to the front of your vehicle.

At present I have combined my functions so when I press my brakes my parking lights also light up. My 4 pin now works great-but of course I will eventually get ticketed if I leave it this way.

I have posted up in "General Electrical" over on YOTA TECH and encourage you to read up over there as well.

I am learning as I go, and real experts are out there.

The Hopkins 800 number is very helpful. They want to sell you product.

 

[SIKHILUXSURF]

just go to Uhaul they replaced mine for free and the part was only 18 bucks.