5-Pole Trailer Connector for Towing Surge Coupler-Equipped Trailer with 2010 Toyota Rav4

Question:

My trailer has a 5 pole setup where the 5th pole is for dis activating the brakes when in reverse. Do you have a wire kit for this? Or do I buy this one and you sell a converter wire? Thanks

asked by: Frank S

Expert Reply:

There are a few different ways you could go in order to provide a 5-pole flat trailer connector on your Rav4. You could install the Curt T-Connector you mentioned, part # C56165 and use an adapter like part # 47515. This would be the easiest to install option, but I'm not a huge fan of adapters. If an adapter can be misplaced, it will be. The blue wire from the adapter would need to be tapped into the reverse light circuit of your vehicle.

Another possibility would be to use a 5-pole hardwired converter, like the Tow Ready # 119177KIT. This would be more difficult to install, as you would need to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to identify and tap into the existing taillight circuits. This would make for the neatest install, with no adapters needed. This is the option I would use on my vehicle.

Your final option would be kind of a hybrid between the two. You would install the Curt T-connector, C56165. You would then cut the 4-pole off, and splice in a 5-pole vehicle side connector, part # HM37908. You would match up the wires color for color, but you would tap the blue wire into the reverse light circuit of the vehicle. Be sure to use butt connectors and heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to seal your connections from the elements.

expert reply by: Mike L