Trailer wiring, is it just me?

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!

 

Just use a coiled connection, problem solved https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Coiled+4+pin&furl=-pg-Wiring

 

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.

 

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.

 

This is what my Taco has:


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.

 

I had to buy an 7 pin extender for my Aliner camper. Never had a problem with my Taco, but it wouldn't reach the 4Runner with enough slack for turns, etc.

$23 Conntek 10110-048EX 7-Way Inline Trailer Extension Cord (4 Feet)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0057KB0J8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!


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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!!

 

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.

 

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...

 

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!