What do I need to tow?

[vcheng]

I have an 05 UZJ100, with the towing hitch attachment in the rear bumper already on. However, do I need anything else to be able to tow a trailer? Where and how do the wires for the lights hook up? What gizmo is required for controlling the trailer brakes?

Sorry for the newbie questions, but I could think of no better resource that this forum to ask these questions.

TIA.

 

[soberman001]

I have an 05 UZJ100, with the towing hitch attachment in the rear bumper already on. However, do I need anything else to be able to tow a trailer? Where and how do the wires for the lights hook up? What gizmo is required for controlling the trailer brakes?

Sorry for the newbie questions, but I could think of no better resource that this forum to ask these questions.

TIA.

IF your hitch is OEM:

Check under / behind your hitch, to the left side of the car. You should see some type of plug that may have a hindged plastic cover. Pull the cover down and see if you have a 7round connector (1.5" round in a black plastic box). If you have that, you then:

Need to look at the trailer you are pulling and see if the connectors match. There are 4-6 different types of connectors that are used for a variety of trailers and hauling needs. Some with electric brakes, some with gyro-brakes, some with multi-lights, some without. If your trailer connector (male) matches your hitch (female), then you plug it in and test (need a buddy to help see the lights/brakes etc). If not matching then:

Write down the two types you have, then go to the autoparts store for a converter. A typical converter is cheap, and plug and play. For example, I have a 7round connector on my truck, but my trailer is a 4pin straight. I bought a connector, plugged it in in 3 seconds, plugged the trailer to that, and off I went.

Don't leave all this to the last minute incase you find a wiring or connector problem. That requires more work.

Good luck. PM me if you have more detailed questions.

Cheers, trailer safe.

 

[firetruck41]

If the trailer has electric brakes, you will need an aftermarket brake controller.

 

[vcheng]

Thanks guys. I will look under the truck for the connector mentioned. As much as I recall, I did not see any such connector when I removed the spare tire a while ago.

The hitch itself is OEM, the type that sits in the middle of the bumper after removing the a small cover. It was supplied with the truck in a box in the cargo area.

 

[EdsCruisin]

The specifics of what you need to get and do are directly proportional to what you plan to tow. Different loads require different equipment. Additionally the OEM light circuit is powered directly from your lights. If the trailer has lots of running lights, it will affect the performance of your entire light circuit. And if it fails, it can short out your truck. Best to bypass the stock system and have an isolated circuit installed.

Check your glove box for a brake controller wire harness. I don't know of the 100 came with one, but my '05 4Runner did. It makes installing the brake controller a breeze (no splicing).

Good Luck.

 

[Wellcraft19]

I'd add to EdsCrusin that you definitely should add a "powered" (or "isolated) converter for your trailer lights. The Toyota factory one might not be able to support the current needed for your running lights (tail lights + side clearance lights).

You can either buy a converter for this and "add on" (easy) or you can just run the needed wire (needed even with a powered converter) from the battery and add a single relay for the tail lights. The "factory converter" will handle your brake/turn signals, but if you're unhappy with that one, you can add a relay for each side and be done with it. At least then you have sort of isolated your new trucks wiring from the trailer's. Cheap insurance against future problems. Especially if you're pulling a boat trailer where you "dunk" (submerge) the ligths - because you will do it at least once even if you have a good routine of disconnecting trailer wiring before launching.

As for electric brakes, as others already said, you need a brake controller. Most of the time it is good to have it "handy" so you actually can adjust it while driving. If your trailer have surge brakes, you only need to worry about the ligths.