What is Needed to Add 5-Way to Vehicle For Boat Trailer With Disc Brakes

Question:

I have a 13 toyota highlander with a towing package and 4 flat wire harness. I did recently replace it with one from Napa autoparts. I have a boatmate trailer with a 5 flat wire harness and disc brakes. I am not sure whether the brakes are controlled by the wire harness or not. I suspect they are not. My thought is that i should install a 7pole 4 flat combo on my vehicle. Is this an easy diy?

asked by: Greg

Expert Reply:

So you won't actually need a 7-way as your boat trailer has hydraulic disc brakes and a 7-way is for electric brakes. All you need is an adapter for the 4-way on your Highlander to make it a 5-way:

- Curt Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 5-Way Flat - Vehicle End # C57187

This is not a difficult DIY, you'll just need to tap into the reverse light wire of your Highlander, and I have added a link below to a video which shows an example of this. It's on a different vehicle but it is a good example of the process; you'll also want a circuit tester to find the correct wire, the Cordless Circuit Tester # PTW2979.

expert reply by: Kyle S