I just bought a 2011 SR 5. The 7 pin and 4 pin electrical connectors for towing are up under the bumper so that to plug in my trailer I have to crawl under the bumper. Is there an easy way to relocate these? Or is there some sort of extension that I could use to mount a new plug more convenient to the hitch?
Relocating Towing Plug
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stevec5000
New member
You can get a 7 pin to 4 pin adapter cable at Harbor Freight. That may be long enough to reach easily if you can use a 4 pin connector. You can also get a 4 pin extension cable that's about 5' long.
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dsfra
Member
Yeah - some people actually want to turn right when towing! Using the factory connector plug, I could only turn left, otherwise the cable would pull out. Started getting real dizzy. Plus, it's a pain to reach under the rear of the vehicle every time to plug / unplug the cable - you'll understand when you're old and have bad knees.
Anyhow, the only 7-pin extension cable I could find was for 5th-wheelers and was way too long, and I really didn't want a 5 foot slinky hanging under the rear of the vehicle. So, I took the 7-pin connector left over from the former tow vehicle, got a new trailer-end plug, and made an extension pigtail. Now I have the 7-pin, plus the 4-pin, plus a place to mount the 2-conductor connector for the rear-view camera on the back of the trailer, plus a bunch of fancy high-tech flashing red LEDs. Maybe lost a little bit of departure angle, but not too bad. The mount is just a piece of flat stock with 3 holes in it - doesn't get much simpler than that - and a couple of dabs of RTV on the bolt head to keep it from working loose. The heads of the 1/4" bolts snug up against the front edge of the bumper plastic, so it doesn't twist even though it's only mounted using the single bumper cover bolt. There's not too much load on it anyhow. It's semi-permanently mounted to the factory connector using a few wire-ties.
The pieces of slit black nylon tubing work nicely to keep the safety chains from chipping the paint off the hitch and allowing rust to get started. The hose clamps keep the chain hooks positioned on the tubing. Looks kind of dumb, but it works - and it looks better than rust.
Anyhow, the only 7-pin extension cable I could find was for 5th-wheelers and was way too long, and I really didn't want a 5 foot slinky hanging under the rear of the vehicle. So, I took the 7-pin connector left over from the former tow vehicle, got a new trailer-end plug, and made an extension pigtail. Now I have the 7-pin, plus the 4-pin, plus a place to mount the 2-conductor connector for the rear-view camera on the back of the trailer, plus a bunch of fancy high-tech flashing red LEDs. Maybe lost a little bit of departure angle, but not too bad. The mount is just a piece of flat stock with 3 holes in it - doesn't get much simpler than that - and a couple of dabs of RTV on the bolt head to keep it from working loose. The heads of the 1/4" bolts snug up against the front edge of the bumper plastic, so it doesn't twist even though it's only mounted using the single bumper cover bolt. There's not too much load on it anyhow. It's semi-permanently mounted to the factory connector using a few wire-ties.
The pieces of slit black nylon tubing work nicely to keep the safety chains from chipping the paint off the hitch and allowing rust to get started. The hose clamps keep the chain hooks positioned on the tubing. Looks kind of dumb, but it works - and it looks better than rust.
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brockeverly
New member
^can you post a pic of the back of your truck? I currently have mine attached to the bottom of my hitch with steel zip ties, but it bottoms out and rips off quite often when we are wheeling.
dsfra
Member
The first shot is taken at hitch-level, and shows that the connector plug hangs just below the bottom of the receiver. The second shot shows a detail of the brilliantly engineered and exquisitely machined bracket.
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Mykr
New member
extra length
I believe you should have an extra 5 or so inches already built into your existing harness. Cut the tape and peel back the expando sleeve. They typically double back the harness in that area and give you a few extra inches. Just need to remount the plug. Don't know if that's enough for you though.
I believe you should have an extra 5 or so inches already built into your existing harness. Cut the tape and peel back the expando sleeve. They typically double back the harness in that area and give you a few extra inches. Just need to remount the plug. Don't know if that's enough for you though.
having fun
New member
Even with gen4, have the same problem at times.
This just another option, doubt some will do as picture will show why.
I tend to pull a heavy duty trailer and do some extreme off roadding so had to keep changing locations. First it was mounted on the tow hitch frame, not rock ready location. Then decided need to relocate, works for know until we modify for off road bumper.
This just another option, doubt some will do as picture will show why.
I tend to pull a heavy duty trailer and do some extreme off roadding so had to keep changing locations. First it was mounted on the tow hitch frame, not rock ready location. Then decided need to relocate, works for know until we modify for off road bumper.
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GiGi's 1996
New member
Yup. That's basically what I do. I have an adaptor that's coiled and stretches. After plugging it into the outlet I run it through the rear recovery hoop. Keeps everything off the ground and works perfectly.
I need one of these. Where did you buy this Antman?
That doggone plug is nicely hidden by Toyota, but too bad you have to practically stand on your head to use and make sure you have completely plugged in.
Antman
Elite Member
Sorry! That plug is probably 15 years old and has been on 6 different vehicles! My Father bought it and I have no idea where...
Titanpat57
Senior Member
Starts at post #4941...bought the plug and play tail from E-Trailer inc. my excellent review...as stated, if you're leaving the spare in the bottom...opt for a longer tail.
Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for Toyota 4Runner 2010 - 20119
Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for Toyota 4Runner 2010 - 20119
GiGi's 1996
New member
Thanks for reply Antman.
I found some on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpowe...-1-fkmr0&keywords=trailer+plug+extension+coil
This one is blue, but might be alright. Not too expensive.
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