Wiring for trailer

[emmnfm]

Hi, I'm new to this site and fairly new to my 4Runner. I have a 99 4Runner SR5 that didn't come with a tow package. Found a hitch off a used parts place and installed it. Now...I want to wire it for towing a trailer and see no access panel to get to any wiring. I've called a couple dealerships and they tell me I can't use a "plug and play" on this and must take off the taillight and cut into it there, feed the wires out the bottom of the taillight and somehow hide and secure all the wires on the outside of the vehicle. Does this sound right? Never heard of such a thing in my life!

Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[004Gunner]

There is a plug and play you can get, I have one (4 prong) but don't remember where I bought it. It plugged into each tail light and I keep it stowed in the storage compartment so it will not corrode from salt exposure. When I tow a trailer I just pull out the plug and run it out the back to the trailer. The wiring never sees any weather exposure.

 

[emmnfm]

Plugs right into the tail light itself? I've had my tail lights off and don't see how this is possible. You sure your 00 is like my 99? Anyone else have an idea what brand or where to get something like this? Thanks!

 

[jeremy 4runner]

I had to replace my logic module after I got my 4runner. I think your best bet is to go to uhaul and get a new logic box. They are usually less than $20. If you are comfortable with doing the wiring you can install the box inside behind the back panel and run it thru one of the holes that go outside. You may have to silicone when your done. The units come with fairly easy instructions.

 

[trd_4runnin]

I am in a similar situation and don't think I really understand whats going on here. My 4Runner is a Limited and therefor should have come with the tow package if I'm not mistaken. I have the factory hitch with the trailer connector and the other day I was messing around under my truck and found the wires from the 4 pin connector go up and over the frame rail and all of the sudden just stop.....

Since my 4Runner should have come with the tow package, where should I look to hook these wires back up???

 

[emmnfm]

There is no panel to remove, unless you mean the whole shootin' match back there. I have no problem doing the wiring myself...if I knew where to hook in.

 

[004Gunner]

Plugs right into the tail light itself?

Yeah it plugged into each tail light. No splicing, just had to pull off the threshold and some of the panels. I did this a couple years ago and have not messed with it since so I can't remember exactly what was involved. The only problem I had was fitting the relay behind the panel. The rear power adapter was blocking valuable real estate.

 

[emmnfm]

Yeah it plugged into each tail light. No splicing, just had to pull off the threshold and some of the panels. I did this a couple years ago and have not messed with it since so I can't remember exactly what was involved. The only problem I had was fitting the relay behind the panel. The rear power adapter was blocking valuable real estate.

YIKES! Pull off the paneling in back? I actually unscrewed the threshold because I thought that would be a way in and then realized how much this could entail once I got the threshold off. I then put it back together and figured I'd ask here for any better suggestions.

 

[OU4x4]

easy install

installing the wiring kit is easy. i picked one up from a local auto parts store and it came with great directions. once the threshold is up all you need to do us pop the back panels loose right by the tail lights. you don't have to remove the entire panel. a firm tug should pop the panels loose. from there is is just a matter of plugging the module in (no splicing involved) and routing the wires under the threshold and through a rubber gasket. you will probably have to cut the gasket to push the wires through. mine came with plenty of wire to reach the hitch. i think it took all of 30 min. to finish.

 

[ektay]

I had to replace my logic module after I got my 4runner. I think your best bet is to go to uhaul and get a new logic box. They are usually less than $20. If you are comfortable with doing the wiring you can install the box inside behind the back panel and run it thru one of the holes that go outside. You may have to silicone when your done. The units come with fairly easy instructions.

is that the box on drivers cargo side i nead one of thoes mine went bad and not sure what or how to fix it

 

[01t4rnr]

advance auto, autozone, pep boys, etc will all have what you need. its very easy to install

 

[JohnsD90]

Not that it matters but my Tow hitch says Reese on it, and i always thought Toyota just contracted through them on the earlier 3rd gens but i havent seen another one with a Reese Hitch, so did the Previous Owner put this on aftermarket?

Its not that important but i wanted to know.

Sorry for getting off topic.

 

[alchik]

Just sent you a PM. I've got the wiring harness you need. Plug and play...

 

[Ron Helmuth]

Hopkins plug and play

Hopkins trailer controller is intended to be plug and play with your taillight harness.

I will try to find connection to Yota Tech thread on same subject.

Tickled pink to be able to connect to you all-yes I do see the thread is one year old +.

http://www.yotatech.com/f131/6pin-4-pin-taillight-converter-towing-179360/

 

[p nut]

I also bought my plug and play harness from Autozone. (~$15). On my Tacoma, it was very simple. Simply take off the tail lights, unhook the factory harness, plug in the Hopkin's harness, reconnect factory, then reassemble. Works great.

Johnd90- Reese is aftermarket, not factory. I have noticed OEM uses heavier duty mounting than most aftermarket hitches. Got mine from Toyota for $140. Well worth it, IMO. Now I just need to install a Hayden transmission cooler.

Ron H - Was wondering where you've been.

 

[JohnsD90]

Johnd90- Reese is aftermarket, not factory. I have noticed OEM uses heavier duty mounting than most aftermarket hitches. Got mine from Toyota for $140. Well worth it, IMO. Now I just need to install a Hayden transmission cooler.

im not towing with it, i was just wondering. thanks

 

[cj6078]

Mine has a Reese hitch on also, but there is a plug to the left of the spare tire for the lights. An extension is needed to the hitch and an adapter as well also it is a poor location for a light connector.

 

[cj6078]

Mine has a Reese hitch on also, but there is a plug to the left of the spare tire for the lights. An extension is needed to the hitch and an adapter as well also it is a poor location for a light connector.

 

[WayneM]

Proper wiring inside rear panel

I recently pulled the rear interior panel on my 2001. The wiring harness routing looks funky to me.

I know the trailer connector box was replaced with a Hopkins unit, no worries about that. But, the trailer wiring exiting in front of the vent/drain box, and the extraneous unseated grommet seem not-right.

It had rear damage looong ago, and the repair quality was sub-par. Does anyone have a photo of how this area should be?

 

[brillo_76]

I recently pulled the rear interior panel on my 2001. The wiring harness routing looks funky to me.



I know the trailer connector box was replaced with a Hopkins unit, no worries about that. But, the trailer wiring exiting in front of the vent/drain box, and the extraneous unseated grommet seem not-right.



It had rear damage looong ago, and the repair quality was sub-par. Does anyone have a photo of how this area should be?

Not normal the wiring mostly runs those black squares and out the rear bumper mount bracket. I can't say I seen one go out the rear vent before.




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