Rear End

[splash101]

First time 4runner owner, here - 2013 Limited, 3rd row, utility trailer.

Thank you for sharing the forum.

Trying to figure out whether I'm dumb, ignorant, or old !

1. I can't seem to connect the trailer wires without lying my head on the ground. I try to kneel and crouch, but can't seem to pull back the housing cover and connect the plug at the same time. The port seems so recessed and up-angled.

2. It's hard to see out back at night. Is there a rear light somewhere? If not, suggestions are welcome for lighting that would help hook up a trailer in the dark.

 

[Mason]

A few others have brought up the trailer wiring on the 4Runner. Someone on here actually fabricated a fix for it so that you don't have to crawl underneath. I don't remember the person's name, but a quick search might turn up something. I think it might have been for sale or talked about it possibly being for sale.

You should have a backup camera on the limited? If you are into modding your vehicle, you can either get Ridgid Duallys and mount them to your "future" roof rack, or do what other members have done and cut out part of the bumper and add them there. Or you can fabricate a bracket (saw this on a Tundra forum) with some backup lights and tap that to your actual reverse lights.

This might be obvious and not likely since your 4Runner is fairly new, but check to make sure your reverse lights are working.

It just occurred to me that you might be looking for extra lights while you are physically hooking up the trailer. In any case, you probably need a dedicated switch instead of tapping into the reverse lights. Also, you can do [MENTION=54940]Snooperstyle[/MENTION]s rear cargo LED mod and lower down your rear window for some extra lighting.

 

[GreyhoundGuy]

I can't seem to connect the trailer wires without lying my head on the ground. I try to kneel and crouch, but can't seem to pull back the housing cover and connect the plug at the same time. The port seems so recessed and up-angled.

You might want to try something like this, an 18" wiring extension. You can plug it into the port under your 4R and then zip-tie the other end to your hitch receiver.

I bought something similar through AutoZone (couldn't find a link, sorry) because the cargo box that I "tow" is wired for lights, but the wire isn't long enough to reach the port under the 4R. I used an 18" extension and was able to access it perfectly. I don't leave mine on when not in use... but it'd be an option for you to try.

-Joel

 

[JohnJerk]

Yeah, the trailer light hook up location just sucks. I swear at it all the time and particularly in the winter. Have yet to see a simple solution.

 

[Okki]

You can also follow [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] lead and do this:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ild-thread-very-pic-heavy-14.html#post1148137

Okki

 

[splash101]

Thanks to all for the good ideas.

 

[thzpcs]

You might want to try something like this, an 18" wiring extension. You can plug it into the port under your 4R and then zip-tie the other end to your hitch receiver.

-Joel

This is definitely the best and easiest solution. Doesn't require you to make any modifications or screw up the electronics in any way. I have one on my 2014, and it's much more convenient than the stock location, especially with trailers that have short connects.

 

[martind]

Just bend the bracket down - there is enough wire slack and/or just loosen one of the cable retainers if you need more wire slack from the wiring harness to the vehicle plug. i did mine and have at an angle of about 170 degrees down. Makes it very easy to connect the trailer plug by feel. No downside unless you are concerned about off-road clearance.