No Tow Package - Is there wiring in place for trailer lights

[scoobdaug]

I have a 2008 FJ without the towing package. I want to hook up a trailer with the trailer lights working. I see that there is a wrapped set of wires underneath back and near the back bumber that ends with a squarish clip (think it's a 4 pin adapter).

Questions:
1) Will this wiring serve as the connection for hooking up the trailer lights (running lights, turn signals and braking)? And, is it active, or do I need to order additional accessories, i.e. wiring harness?
2) Is there wiring in place under the steering console to hook up a brake controller?

[Constantine]

Toyota sells a kit for about $85 designed to plug in to the exisiting wiring harnesses for a 4-pin connector. They also sell the hitch itself for about $150. Some dealers sell the two combined as a single package for about $225. Check the forum sponsors for the best prices.

[homedad]

oh...but there's more......a relay under the driver kick panel and a fuse under the hood.....then you're good to go....

no brake booster wiring

[scoobdaug]

It sounds like getting Uhaul to hardwire the whole thing for $60 may be the better "cost conscious" way to go?

[oldcop041]

scoobdaug previously said:

It sounds like getting Uhaul to hardwire the whole thing for $60 may be the better "cost conscious" way to go?

Maybe, but I was very glad I went with the factory package. The hitch bolts onto the bumper (under the facia) and includes a new bumper cover molded for the hitch. The wiring includes: the plug harness, a converter, a relay and two fuses. Also included is a bracket to secure the receiver plug the the hitch. I paid $257.86 shipped.

It was easy to mount and looks good.

[fbj913]

scoobdaug previously said:

It sounds like getting Uhaul to hardwire the whole thing for $60 may be the better "cost conscious" way to go?

i wouldnt! ive heard bad stories. just spend the money for toyota parts on this. its simple to connect!

[DEWFPO]

I agree. Even if you go with a hitch other than Toyota, get the Toyota wiring kit and plug it in. It works, and there will be no wiring issues.

DEWFPO

[LEASTBAY]

I have the factory hitch but I havent seen this so called wiring harness is it supposed to come attached already?

[DEWFPO]

If you have the factory tow package, the wiring should be attached to a bracket just to the left of the receiver under the bumper.

DEWFPO

[oldcop041]

LEASTBAY previously said:

I have the factory hitch but I havent seen this so called wiring harness is it supposed to come attached already?

Look under the left rear. It is not the harness which connects to the trailer plug. A seperate harness runs from the one the one already at the back of the vehicle to the trailer plug.

I am surprised that your FJ came with a factory hitch, but does not have a complete wiring harness for the trailer.