Ground or No Ground for Installing a 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2004 Toyota Rav4

Updated 02/17/2011 | Published 02/16/2011

Question:

In trying to figure out the right wiring harness for my 2004 Toyota Rav4, it would appear that some have a ground loop... and some dont. Not sure if Im seeing it correctly, but is this accurate? If so, is there any risk/reason to not having an additional ground?

asked by: Darren

Expert Reply:

You are correct the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, item # 118389, has a ground wire that is attached to a ground location behind the vehicle tail light and the Hopkins Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, item # 33465, does not have an extra ground wire. Both harnesses will work properly on your vehicle.

I would select the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, item # 118389, because of the extra ground protection it offers. If there is a short circuit situation on the trailer the Tow Ready harness will provide a way for the short to ground out separate from the vehicle wiring and will help contain the damage at the harness converter box. The Hopkins harness gets its ground through the vehicle tail light wiring.

We have videos of each of these wiring harnesses being installed on Rav4 vehicles for you to review..

expert reply by: Robert G