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Replacing 4way flat tow harness to 7way on 2016 Toyota Highlander


patywatkins

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I need help! I need to replace the factory 4way flat tow harness on my 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE to a 7way round (which Toyota does not offer) to power the electric brakes on  my new travel trailer. I purchased the harness recommended by e-trailer.com but before I install has anyone out there done this switch and can you advise on the results. Any info is much appreciated!

 

 

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I have not used this product before, but I have ordered multiple vehicle specific hitches and vehicle specific wiring harnesses from etrailer.  Every application the instructions have been perfect and almost to the T on timing of how long one of their projects should take.  I glanced at the instruction on etrailer for yours and they don't look to terrible if you have some mechanic/wiring experience.  More involved than some of their products but not awful.   

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Thankyou for your reply.  My concern is spicing into the brake wire and overloading my vehicles electrical or locking up the brakes. I'm planning on taking to a shop and having a mechanic do the replacement. Any thoughts or advice?

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If you're talking about a reverse brake lockout (for surge brakes) which works off the backup light.  You should be able to use a 5 flat - or the 7 round.  Best to install a reverse wire relay so the trucks computer does not sense a too high current draw.  Get one that protects itself against shorts.

If you're travel trailer has electric brakes, it's not just a simple switch.  That requires more wiring and should probably be done by a pro.

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You need to have a brake controller installed in the tow vehicle to set the proper gains. Those trailer brakes aren't on/off but based on tow vehicle brake pedal position.

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'07 Scamp 13. It is 1200 - 1500 lbs. But it has electric brakes because the previous owner was towing with a smaller vehicle.

I did order etrailer 7pin round replacement harness and the recommended brake controller.

My concern is splicing into the brake wire of the Highlander and overloading the onboard electronics. I did find a highly recommended tech to do the replacement of the harness.

Minnmarker - thanks for the advise on the reverse wire relay. Any other tips before I take the Highlader in will be most appreciated.

Many Thanks to all!

Patty

 

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4 hours ago, patywatkins said:

'07 Scamp 13. It is 1200 - 1500 lbs. But it has electric brakes because the previous owner was towing with a smaller vehicle.

I did order etrailer 7pin round replacement harness and the recommended brake controller.

My concern is splicing into the brake wire of the Highlander and overloading the onboard electronics. I did find a highly recommended tech to do the replacement of the harness.

Minnmarker - thanks for the advise on the reverse wire relay. Any other tips before I take the Highlader in will be most appreciated.

Many Thanks to all!

Patty

 

1200-1500 lbs should not require trailer brakes at all - even on a highlander.  Not sure I'd bother trying to rig up a trailer brake controller in something like a highlander where I doubt there is a harness that you could buy to do the job.

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