Does a Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2011 Toyota RAV4 Require a Separate Power Wire to the Battery

Updated 05/26/2011 | Published 05/25/2011

Question:

I am taking delivery of a 2011 RAV4 Limited this evening and am installing the trailer wiring and hitch myself. Why does one of your wiring products require running a wire to the battery and the other does not? One says it reduces strain on the cars wiring and the other does not. What is the difference and does it really tax the cars wiring?

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

The Tow Ready wiring harness, part # 118412, and the Curt wiring harness, part # C56165, that are available for a 2011 Toyota RAV4 will both require a separate power wire be ran to the vehicle battery.

The separate power wire is used on many of the newer vehicles, because is getting smaller and more sensitive with generation. Because of the newer wiring, there is more of a chance of running too much current through the smaller wires and causing a circuit to be over drawn, potentially damaging the electrical system on the vehicle.

I am including links to the installation instructions on both of the Toyota RAV4 wiring harnesses. The installation instructions are the same.

I am also including a link to a video that will show the Tow Ready wiring harness being installed on a 2009 Toyota RAV4.

expert reply by: Jeff D