Recommended Trailer Hitch, 4-Way, and 6-Way Wiring for 2018 Toyota Sienna
Question:
Apparently my new 2018 Toyota Sienna LE not SE model comes standard with the 5-wire system. As best as I can tell, most of the trailer wiring systems on your website show plug-n-play to get to a 4-wire system, but require a 12V power source. I have to assume this 12V requirement is to power individual relays to drive the trailer lights inside/part of the converter, using the vehicles light connections as simply the trigger for the relays i.e. very low current draw, so as not to throw off the vehicles voltage / burned out bulb monitoring system. I have 2 small trailers - a 2-rail motorcycle trailer standard 4-pin w/LED lighting, and a tiny pop-up camper 6-pin round, standard incandescent bulb, and in the past with a similar 5-wire vehicle, I have just tapped into the input wires to the 4-pole converter for the 6-pin socket, and run dual wiring to the trailer hitch. Im not so sure I can do that anymore with my 2018 Toyota... and I see some 4-pin to 6-pin converters that I might be able to plug in to the 4-pin converter system when I need that option. But not sure about doing a double-conversion, either. Thoughts on my best option and most reliable of the many brands you carry?. Also, looking at the many choices of hitches available, and trying to find the one that offers the best clearance for the steep driveways we have here in Houston. I already plan to supplement rear suspension with the airbags...
asked by: Marty G
Helpful Expert Reply:
For your 2018 Toyota Sienna I do recommend installing a 4-Way harness and then going with a 4-Way to 6-Way adapter for when it's time to tow the pop-up camper. This will be the easiest and most reliable method for your vehicle.
As you mentioned in your question your Sienna has a separate wiring system, which means the brake and turn signals are sent along separate wires. Because of this a powered converter is needed to not only safeguard the vehicle's wiring and provide enough power to the trailer lights but also to combined these two circuits to match that of standard trailer wiring. I recommend going with the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118648. This includes the needed converter and will install by plugging into built-in ports behind the driver and passenger side tail lights. After these connections are made you will just need to run the hot lead up to the vehicle battery as you noted.
I have attached an installation video that you can use for reference.
Then with the 4-Way installed you can simply add the Mighty Cord 4 Pole to 6 Pole Adapter # A10-6034VP to use when needed. This simply plugs into the existing 4-Way connector to provide a 6-Way round plug at the other end to connect with your pop-up camper. The additional white wire will be grounded to the vehicle frame and the blue and black wires can simply be tied off if you only need to power the trailer's basic signal lights.
Then for a trailer hitch your best option if you are concerned with ground clearance is the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7255. This hitch features a hidden cross tube design that allows the receiver to sit just beneath the rear bumper and will provide the largest ground clearance dimension on your Sienna between the available hitches that are confirmed to fit. When we installed this hitch on the 2017 model Sienna we measured a distance of 13-1/4 inches from the ground to the top of the receiver (see attached image). This Class III hitch will provide you with a 2 inch receiver opening and it has a 3,500 pound towing weight capacity. You will also want to check your copy of the vehicle's owner's manual for its specific towing capacity as well. You will just need to follow whichever limit is lower, the vehicle's or the hitch's.
I have also included the full installation video that you can use for reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- EcoHitch
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Mighty Cord Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 6-Way Round - 12" Long
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Single-Function Adapter
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 6 Round
- Mighty Cord
more information >
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