Why Does Trailer Wiring Harness have to Connect to battery on a 2011 to 2016 Toyota Sienna

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Question:

I just saw where one of your experts said you shouldnt use the trunk 12 V outlet to wire the wiring harness. He said it would put the whole electrical system at risk if there was a short in the trailer. However if you include the 10 amp fuse and if it is a dedicated line only servicing the 12 volt outlet then I cant see how it would be a problem. If there were short in the trailer it would blow that that fuse. So how could it possibly damage the car system if you include your 10 amp fuse. The only problem I can see with doing it is if you use the 12 V adapter in addition to using the trailer wiring as you might blow the car fuse. But I have another question when not using the trailer when the car is turned off does the converter use any electricity?

asked by: Don

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Expert Reply:

Powered trailer wiring harnesses are not tested or rated for any alternate installation method. Installing it by attaching the power wire to a power outlet 12 volt wire will void the warranty. Also many times those outlets are not the only component on the fuse and/or there could be a relay that has other functions. So if the wiring harness is drawing power and whatever else is fused with it or that uses the same relay is drawing power then it can cause more costly electrical problems.

You probably know already that routing the power wire to the vehicle battery isn't difficult; it just takes time. I have included a link to a help article I wrote that offers some tips for routing the power wire for you.

On powered harnesses, because they attach directly to the vehicle battery they have power all the time but unless something is plugged into the connector and drawing power it doesn't run down the battery.

If I was choosing a wiring harness for a 2011 to 2016 Toyota Sienna I would go with # 118498 because we hear about less problems with the Tow Ready brand. I have included a link to a video showing an example installation for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

When we spoke with our contact at Curt they said the only time they've heard of the Curt T-Connector #C86CR having issues is when one of the pins was loose on one of the connectors. They replaced the kit for the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and…

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Answer 2

What you describe isn't unheard of. Due to the rigid nature of the hitch construction, once the #EH55VR is installed on your 2021 Mazda CX-30 it's position is fixed, and it would sit in exactly same spot on any Mazda CX-30 of the same…

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Answer 3

Your custom fit Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #75776 is a confirmed fit for 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS and Limited models as well as 2016-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and Limited. These are the only year and models it is confirmed to…

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Answer 4

The easiest way to determine if your 2015 Kia Sorento EX has the tow package would be to call your dealer's service department and have them run the VIN of your vehicle. They may even be able to send/email you a print out so you know exactly how…

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Answer 5

Both the #118781 and the #118753 are indeed confirmed to fit the 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, both use T-connectors to plug into your tail light connectors, and both are rated at 5 amps for the stop/turn circuit and 7.5 amps for the tail light circuit.…

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Answer 6

I can see why this might be confusing and there are some differences between all 3 of these wiring harnesses. I'll start off by explaining the differences between the Tekonsha #118781 and #118753 wiring harnesses. The main difference is that the…

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Answer 7

Most trailer wiring problems are the result of a bad ground. What I would do is start with the connectors. Maker sure the connectors on both the trailer side and vehicle side are free of dirt and corrosion and that they are properly grounded. Next, I…

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Answer 8

This is the first time that I have heard any vehicle had a power wire ran to the back specifically to power a converter box. It is possible that a vehicle can have a wire ran to the back for the 12 volt circuit on a 7-Way trailer connector. The…

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Answer 9

The 4- to 7-Way adapter #37185 will need to have the 4-Way plugged into it and the white wire grounded to the frame of the vehicle. The other wires (black for 12 volt power, blue for electric trailer brakes, and purple for reverse lights) don't…

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Answer 10

Like you said the 7 x 1-1/4 inch electric brakes #AKEBRK-2 will work with reduced braking. But there is another thing to consider and that is that not all brake drums are compatible with both electric and hydraulic brakes. In most cases it is one or…

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Answer 11

You can replace the Atwood hydraulic brake assembly with the Dexter hydraulic brake assembly as long as the mounting bolt pattern on the assembly matches. I went to the warehouse and measured the Right and left Dexter, 23-399 and 23-398, Hydraulic…

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Answer 12

I'd give the Tekonsha item #90195 the edge for ease of use. The full LCD display provides the status of your braking system at a glance, while the item #RED44FR Redarc Tow Pro Elite uses colored LED's to indicate problems. The display of the…

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Why Does Trailer Wiring Harness have to Connect to battery on a 2011 to 2016 Toyota Sienna

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