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Trailer wiring, is it just me?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by jbrandt, May 22, 2017.

  1. May 22, 2017 at 9:08 PM
    #1
    jbrandt

    jbrandt [OP] New Member

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    Is it just me, or is the location of the trailer wiring on the 2017 4Runner a dumb place? It's nearly all the way out on the left side, several inches in front of the bumper. Seriously??

    So now, my trailer wire (that was plenty long for my 2004 tacoma with a hidden hitch) needs to be a mile long (a full foot longer than before); long enough that it would likely drag on the ground (or close to it) when making a sharp left turn, and would be stretched fairly tight around a right turn.

    Seems like the engineer who designed that placement has never actually towed a trailer before.

    Anyone tried relocating the wiring plug closer to the hitch?

    Now I need to rewire this thing before my camping trip this weekend. Doh!
     
  2. May 22, 2017 at 9:28 PM
    #2
    AZ4walker

    AZ4walker New Member

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    Just use a coiled connection, problem solved https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Coiled+4+pin&furl=-pg-Wiring
     
  3. May 23, 2017 at 7:01 AM
    #3
    jbrandt

    jbrandt [OP] New Member

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    I've seen those, but I still consider those a bandaid fix for a problem that shouldn't really exist. I just think the wiring should be closer to the ball.

    Also would be nice if I didn't have to crawl under the bumper to hook it up.
     
  4. May 23, 2017 at 10:00 AM
    #4
    TN_TRAIL

    TN_TRAIL New Member

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    oh the list....!
    Not a problem on mine. All my vehicles have the plug WAaaaaay out of harms way, which is a necessity for working off road. OTOH, I have wondered why the silly city engineers build some/most where they would consistently get twisted, torn, mashed, bashed, and destroyed.
     
  5. May 23, 2017 at 10:52 AM
    #5
    jbrandt

    jbrandt [OP] New Member

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    This is what my Taco has:
    [​IMG]

    Never worried about the plug getting hung up on anything, since it's integrated into the hitch and protected fairly well. IMO, the plug on my 4Runner is way more vulnerable.

    This is just one of those "mildly annoying" things. Of course I have to rewire my trailer and futz with the truck wiring, I couldn't just plug the thing in, right? :)

    I'll be hitting up the trailer/RV store today anyway, since at a minimum I'd need a coiled wire (the "bandaid fix"). I looked at the stock wiring, and it looks like I'll be able to relocate the plug without too much hassle, so I might as well do it "right" (in my view, anyway, lol) and just get a longer trailer wire and relocate the plug bracket.
     
  6. May 23, 2017 at 10:58 AM
    #6
    glandnut

    glandnut Reserve Collection Squirrel Hair

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    Bob likes this.
  7. Aug 1, 2017 at 11:20 AM
    #7
    ssikkema

    ssikkema New Member

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    I couldn't agree more completely. You have to literally lay on the ground to hook it up. And then try it when you have bad eye sight in the dark. Has anyone moved the connection? Are the wires long enough? Or do I have to solder and shrink wrap. I'd like to see the best improved location, that does not impede any ground clearance either. Ideas? Thanks.
     
  8. Aug 1, 2017 at 9:58 PM
    #8
    Relentless

    Relentless Offroad armor Fabricating beast! Vendor

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    Personally like the location a lot, wish more manufacturers would protect their trailer plugs by placing them farther back/angled like the 4runner. Much less prone to getting torn off offroad. I've never encountered short leads on any of my trailers, in fact I usually have to loop the extra wire around the tongue or jack to keep it from dragging.
     
    SlvrSlug likes this.
  9. Jun 16, 2018 at 12:26 PM
    #9
    dribe

    dribe New Member

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    Moved trailer connector receptacles to a more accessible area for towing.
    jbrandt - my feelings exactly! I went on line to trailers.com and found a bracket that can replace the factory bracket without drilling holes. I did have to make a couple of 1" spacers (from 1/2 inch aluminum conduit) to drop the bracket down to clear the bumper and bought 2" bolts. Total cost was less than $12 with shipping. Did have to pop the wiring clips from the frame to gain enough length to move the connector to a more manageable position. No more lying on the ground to connect my boat wiring! I don't off-road so the placement works for me!
    Screen Shot 2018-06-16 at 2.06.01 PM.jpg

    17483[/ATTACH]
     

    Attached Files:

    nando_4runner likes this.
  10. Sep 5, 2018 at 4:16 PM
    #10
    bigzook

    bigzook New Member

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    dribe-

    Very nice job. Thank You for taking the time to post this with pics. It's on my bucket list along with those Air Bags mentioned in a previous post under Towing. You guys are great!!
     
  11. Sep 5, 2018 at 4:55 PM
    #11
    ruiz4251

    ruiz4251 "but it was funny huh?"

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    dribe-
    I like your mod, but I have to agree with relentless. to each their own I guess. all depends on personal preference and purpose of rig. personally I too have never had an issue.
     
  12. Apr 10, 2019 at 5:33 AM
    #12
    nando_4runner

    nando_4runner New Member

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    Good morning. I'm planning to do the same thing on my 2018 4Runner. Would you happen to have a pic from underneath? Did you use the same bolt locations of the original bracket? To pop the wiring clips, do you just use a flatnosed screwdriver? Can you find the 1/2" aluminum conduit at the local hardware store? Any help is appreciated! Thanks...
     
  13. Apr 10, 2019 at 5:44 AM
    #13
    nando_4runner

    nando_4runner New Member

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    Emblem black-outs (overlays), power running boards, led interior lights, black chrome tail pipe
     
  14. Apr 10, 2019 at 5:47 AM
    #14
    nando_4runner

    nando_4runner New Member

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    GM. I'm planning on doing the same thing to my 2018 4Runner, and was wondering if you had any pics from underneath the truck? Aslo, to remove the wiring clips, did you just use a flat nosed screwdriver? Looks like you used the same bolt holes of the original bracket, correct? Also, can you find the 1/2" aluminum conduit at the local hardware store? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
     

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