12 Volt Power Wire Must be Connected to Vehicle Battery on 2013 Toyota Sienna

Updated 11/11/2013 | Published 11/08/2013

Question:

Since I tow on a limited basis, why couldnt I just buy a 12V battery and just leave it in the back of the van when I just tow? That way I do not have to mess with running the wire to the battery up front. I have a 2013 toyota sienna. I am a little intimidated with running this wire to the battery up front.

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

The battery that is in your 2013 Toyota Sienna gets a constant charge from the alternator. A battery just sitting there might have power but that power is going to slowly fade as it powers the trailer lights. And if you seldom tow, if the battery sits long enough it could go dead. Then you go to tow the trailer and have no power to the trailer lights and you either have to wait while it charges or go buy a new battery.

Running the wire to the vehicle battery is not as difficult as you might think. It is time-consuming but not particularly difficult. You just have to remember that as you route the wire from the back to the front you will need to avoid hot areas like exhaust and moving parts like suspension because that could damage the wire.

I have included a link to the right to an FAQ article I wrote that covers the different ways you can route the wire that should help. I know you can do it!

expert reply by: Michael H