trailer wires hook-up- horrible design

[Northern Cruiser]

For the first time since buying my new 4runner I tried to hook up my ATV trailer brake lights/turn signals last week. First I had to find the plug - what idiot designer put it so far under the vehicle I have to lay down on the driveway partly under the rear bumper, to hold the flap open with one hand and try to get the male trailer plug into the female Toyota socket with my other hand. Stupid! Stupid! This is the 4 wire setup. Has anyone come up with a better, more accessible location?

 

[spartacus]

For the first time since buying my new 4runner I tried to hook up my ATV trailer brake lights/turn signals last week. First I had to find the plug - what idiot designer put it so far under the vehicle I have to lay down on the driveway partly under the rear bumper, to hold the flap open with one hand and try to get the male trailer plug into the female Toyota socket with my other hand. Stupid! Stupid! This is the 4 wire setup. Has anyone come up with a better, more accessible location?

you can use a 4 pin extension and just zip tie it to the hitch.

Hopkins Towing Solutions 4 Flat Extension 18 inch Wire, 48185 - Walmart.com - Walmart.com

 

[GX4SEVEND]

I paid for the factory Toyota 7 pin. Had all the wiring from the factory already wired but no 7 pin. Not cheap that’s for sure. It’s also pretty far under there and not convenient at all.


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[Sky]

I agree it is in a bad place- but I see why they put it there- it is out of the way and mostly protected from trail damage.
The Southeast Toyota Distributor installed trailer socket on my FJC got smashed the first time I hit the trails. After that I had to crawl under and remove it before we hit the trails then put it back on to tow the camper home.
Believe that is way more of a PITA than where Toyota put it on the 4runner....

 

[endo1]

agree

 

[Northern Cruiser]

you can use a 4 pin extension and just zip tie it to the hitch.

I like KISS. Once it`s on it stays there. Thx.

 

[BobsTrail]

Yes, it's a PIA, I have to remember to keep a 4 pin extension handy, a few trailers I used did not have a long enough cable. Learned this when trying to connect a neighbors utility trailer.

 

[Kamalani Mahie]

I agree it's in a terrible location for towing. But in a great location to protect it from trail damage. The first time I towed a trailer I didn't have the lights hooked up for a few miles because the cable wasn't long enough to reach. Drove straight to the auto parts store. I just have an extension cable in the back in case the trailer doesn't have a long enough cable. You can get an extension cable at any automotive parts store or on amazon.

 

[yota1976]

Yep, I keep an extension plug in my door panel. I think it's the 12 inch one. Once you plug it in a few times, it gets easier.

 

[frasc]

On mine, I found a 7 RV to 4 flat adapter fits better and is easier to use than the 4 flat side of the plug

 

[Nalcyon]

I disagree with those that say the plug is in a great location to protect from trail damage. Every time I go on the trails at my property I have to clean it out as it drags in the dirt and gets clogged. The protective cover has long since been ripped off.

IMO it is the worst of both worlds, hard to access, and unprotected from trail damage.

 

[rayofsi]

I disagree with those that say the plug is in a great location to protect from trail damage. Every time I go on the trails at my property I have to clean it out as it drags in the dirt and gets clogged. The protective cover has long since been ripped off.

IMO it is the worst of both worlds, hard to access, and unprotected from trail damage.

if something up there gets banged up.. that means you probably have no exhaust?

 

[trey99ek]

I had to get an extension for mine. My plus came up about 6 inches short.

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[Smitty19TRD]

I have liked that it is out of the way because I did damage the connectors on my Jeep JK; however, I have been considering relocation options.
Does anybody have any good ideas?

 

[johnbt]

Hopkins makes a style you can get a grip on.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

For the first time since buying my new 4runner I tried to hook up my ATV trailer brake lights/turn signals last week. First I had to find the plug - what idiot designer put it so far under the vehicle I have to lay down on the driveway partly under the rear bumper, to hold the flap open with one hand and try to get the male trailer plug into the female Toyota socket with my other hand. Stupid! Stupid! This is the 4 wire setup. Has anyone come up with a better, more accessible location?

i see you have a Limited. The Limited's have a lower rear skirt than the other models and the skirt blocks of the connector making it difficult to connect. I cut that low hanging plastic off mine and it is much easier to connect now.

 

[Kokanee]

Another vote for horrible placement.
I ended up making a extension.
Looks like poop if you wire tie it to the hitch.
Going to move the whole assembly someday when I get time.

 

[Kamalani Mahie]

I disagree with those that say the plug is in a great location to protect from trail damage. Every time I go on the trails at my property I have to clean it out as it drags in the dirt and gets clogged. The protective cover has long since been ripped off.

IMO it is the worst of both worlds, hard to access, and unprotected from trail damage.

If you're dragging your ass through dirt and rocks then everything down there is going to get dirty and scraped up lol. I haven't had an issue banging this thing when it's so high up there. Curious how you're managing it. Bogs? Deep ruts? Even then I'd think you'd be dragging your diff or hitch before you touch the trailer connector.

 

[swils8610]

I’m not a fan of where the plug is mounted also. It should be on the bumper like on the Tundra.


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