Does Power Wire of Curt Trailer Wiring for 2022 Toyota RAV4 Have to Run to Vehicle Battery

Published 07/12/2023

Question:

2022 Rav4 XLE, NON-Hybrid, AWD. Battery is not in the rear, BUT a 12V “cigar lighter” port IS already present in the sidewall passenger-side right-rear. Q: instead of running a power wire up to the battery under the engine hood, will this system work with an exposed lead connecting with a 12V cigar-lighter adapter to the existing port in the backend section?

asked by: Vince

Expert Reply:

For trailer wiring like the Curt # C56434 you really need to run the power wire up to the vehicle battery positive post. I know it's tempting to find an outlet like you mentioned and it would work on some level you would be eliminating the circuit protection of bypassing the vehicle wiring so we can't recommend it.

expert reply by: Jameson C