Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness/Tailllight Converter for 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Question:

fjs have an extra wire for brakes.wires are red,green,yellow,brown and white.traile is brown ,green,yellow and white.will the harness work without using a diode.harness#hm48915

asked by: Richard C

Expert Reply:

Your FJ cruiser uses a separate bulb for turn signals, instead of the less sophisticated wiring system used on most trailers where one circuit carries both the turn signal and brake lamp. In order for the trailer connector to work correctly, you'll need a taillight converter. The Hopkins # HM48915 you'd looked at would work, but there are easier to install (albeit more expensive) plug and play options like # 118405 which plug inline at the connection between the vehicle taillight harness and the taillight assemblies. You'll also need to run a power feed circuit to the positive battery terminal.

Although the # 118405 is more expensive, it has the advantage of being a powered taillight converter. It it gets switching info from its connection to the taillight circuits, but actually draws its power directly from the battery for a more reliable connection. This also helps prevent feedback into the vehicle's wiring from any short circuits that could occur in the trailer wiring and helps isolate the vehicle wiring system from damage a short could cause.

I've linked to

expert reply by: Mike L