Backup Light Connection For Activation of Surge Coupler Backup Solenoid on a Toyota Tundra

Updated 09/13/2011 | Published 09/12/2011

Products Featured in This Question

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(110)

$62.81

Modulite Circuit Protected Power Converter w/ 5-Way Flat, Hardwire Kit, and Tester

(2)

$83.64

No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - Short

(1181)

$22.65

Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter

(262)

$17.30

Question:

The 4 pin flat connector does not send the message to the trailer that I have put the truck into reverse. The backup light will tell the solenoid on my trailer to disengage. Is there an adapter that will do this for me using T-one 4 pole #118378?

asked by: Andrew

Expert Reply:

There are two options for energizing the backup solenoid on your trailer to allow you to backup. The first is an adapter like you mentioned. The 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter, # 20036, is designed to be easily installed and removed once the blue wire is spliced into the vehicles reverse light circuit, behind one of the rear tail lights. A circuit tester, # 3808 if needed, is required to determine the correct wire to splice the blue wire to.

The second option is to use a 5-Way Flat Power Converter with Circuit Protection, # 119177KIT. This wiring harness will provide a 5-Way trailer connector at the back of your Tundra that is circuit protected to protect your vehicles sensitive circuitry and computers. The adapter mentioned above will not have circuit protection on the reverse light circuit and could put your vehicle at risk in the event of a problem on the reverse light wire.

To install the 5-Way power converter you will need to hard wire the harness on the vehicle, using the included circuit tester and quick splice connectors. A separate power wire is also ran to the positive post of the vehicle battery through a inline fuse holder, to keep the current draw on the vehicle tail light system to a minimum.

Finally, the 5-Way Flat Mounting Bracket, # tr20046, and the No Drill Mount Bracket, # 18140, would be a great way to secure either 5-Way connector at the rear of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Robert G