Why is Trailer Wiring that Draws from Vehicle Battery Better than Non-Powered Kit

Published 11/07/2017

Question:

I need to install a wiring harness on my 2012 Toyota Sienna to tow a tent trailer. Whats the advantage of it being powered vs. a less expensive non-powered harness? I know that the powered harnesses are plug n play and Id need to cut / splice wires with a universal harness. Thanks,

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

The benefit to a non-powered trailer wiring harness is that it's a bit easier to install since you don't have to run a wire up to the battery of the vehicle. The advantage to a powered kit is that it does a better job protecting the taillight circuits of your vehicle. Instead of drawing power for the trailer taillights from the vehicle taillights it only uses the vehicle taillights as signals and then draws all the power for the trailer taillights from the vehicle battery. In the long run this is the much better option that will be our recommendation.

For your 2012 Toyota Sienna the Tekonsha kit part # 118498 would be what I would recommend as it is the powered kit. I attached an install video for this for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C