Is Powered Converter Needed for Proper Operation of 4-Way Connector on 2013 Toyota Highlander

Question:

On my 2013 Toyota Highlander, I just connected the 4-pin harness to the connection point at the rear of the vehicle, under the cargo bins. I bought the 4-pin to 7-pin conversion harness and installed that as well. I connected the ground wire to bottom frame as instructed in the instructional video, and connected the 4-pin connector to the receiving 4-pin piece on the 7-pin connector. I plugged my campers 7-pin connector into the receiving end on my hitch, and none of the trailer lights came on. I checked the wiring, connections, etc. and the trailer lights were working great when I had a guy off the camper for me the night before. I did just order the converter that connects under the front dash on the Highlander, because I dont think it came w/ the factory installed one. Without the converter, shouldnt the camper lights still turn on? Or, is the converter the solution to why theyre not turning on? I thought the converter was just to prevent overloading the vehicles lighting system, but Im wondering what else could be going on for the camper lights not to be on. Thanks.

asked by: Preston J

Expert Reply:

If your 2013 Toyota Highlander is not equipped with the factory tow package (which includes the converter under the dash), then you do indeed need a powered converter like what is included with the Curt T-Connector Harness # C56217. You are correct that the converter safeguards the vehicle's wiring but it also is needed to provide enough power for the trailer lights. The factory wiring on the Highlander simply isn't heavy enough to handle the type of current needed to power trailer lights on their own, so a powered converter is needed to do the heavy lifting. Most likely this is why the trailer lights are not working when connected to your Highlander. Adding the converter should resolve this issue.

If you still have the same problem after installing the converter please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Chris R