4-Pin And 7-Pin Wiring Options For A 2015 Toyota Sienna XLE

Question:

A follow-up question about the proper hitch installation for a 2015 Sienna XLE: What are the benefits and downsides to using a 4-pin in my situation or 7-pin power supply attached directly to the battery versus to the rear taillight assembly? One hitch installation service has quoted using a harness connected to the rear taillight assembly and another has quoted using a more expensive direct to battery harness routed through the car frame. Many thanks for your guidance. Ted N.

asked by: Ted N

Expert Reply:

The 4-pin wiring harnesses for the 2015 Toyota Sienna XLE, like the Curt # C56261, will plug in behind the tail light assembly. It will also require running a wire to the battery to power the converter. The 7-way kits will require additional wires to be run to the front of the vehicle for 12v power and brake input. I am not sure exactly which wiring kits these shops are recommending to you, but both the 4-pin and 7-pin kits will require running wires along the frame to the battery.

What exactly are you planning on towing? That is the main thing we want to consider when selecting a wiring kit. If you plan on towing a small trailer like a utility trailer or anything that does not have its own brakes, a 4-pin like the Curt T-Connector # C56261 will be all you need.

If you plan to tow a larger trailer or camper with electric brakes, you will need the Curt T-Connector # C56261 as well as the Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7. These two kits combined will have everything needed to install a 7-way plug, including the necessary wires for a brake controller, like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195, which is what I recommend.

The 2015 Toyota Sienna XLE has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs so it certainly is capable of pulling a camper with electric brakes if needed. It really just comes down to what you plan on using it for.

We have installed both the 4-pin and 7-pin kits on a 2015 Sienna here at our shop in Missouri. I have linked a few of our install videos for you below if you want to see the process in more detail.