Please ignore my ignorance on the subject but...

1.) Are the model/year specific trailer harnesses sold at say Autozone plug-n-play? If yes where does it plug into?

2.) Do all trailer blinkers/ brake lights from the same class (<5000lb) have a standardized connector? Say if I borrow someone's trailer or rent one from Uhaul, would they be the same?

3.) Any other tips/tricks for towing <3000lb without getting arrested?

Sanks

 

1. Probably but I'm not sure
2. Yes they should be the same (I have a dual axle 16,000 lb trailer and then a 5x10 700 lb. trailer and they both have the same connector)
3. Just be sure that if your lights don't work drive when it is light out but if your lights work then you should be ok.

What are you planning on hauling?

Fink

 

1.) Are the model/year specific trailer harnesses sold at say Autozone plug-n-play? If yes where does it plug into?
They should be. Mine came with it already installed. But I bought one for my old Ranger and it plugged right in. I had to install a ground wire, but that's it
2.) Do all trailer blinkers/ brake lights from the same class (<5000lb) have a standardized connector? Say if I borrow someone's trailer or rent one from Uhaul, would they be the same?
There are two different kinds of connectors (that I know of) there is a flat four style plug and a round style plug. I have the flat style plug, but if you need a round style plug, there are adapters. Uhaul uses their own kind of plug on their trailers, I had to buy one of their harnesses, but it was only $5.00.
3.) Any other tips/tricks for towing <3000lb without getting arrested?
Make sure your lights work. Make sure everything is tied down and nothing is going to fly away. Have a safety chain hooked up to the vehicle. Don't speed. Make sure that the trailer is licensed, in Utah, smaller trailers don't need plates.

 

1. I bought a hitch and harness from etrailers.com and had to pop out the tail lights to plug the harness in. I store it in the side compartment and just run it out the bottom of the lift gate when I tow.

2. You can buy adapters that allow you to go b/w 4/6/7 plug harnesses. The harness you buy will most likely be a flat-4 pin.

3. Just give yourself plenty of braking room. Don't forget to swing out wider when turning (depending on the length of the trailer) so the trailer clears the curbs, etc. Double-check all of the hitch pins, safety chains, trailer tires, etc.

Thats all I can think of...

 

Take it slow & easy. Remember that it's going to take you at least twice as long to stop. Don't overheat the brakes - gear down. Don't overheat the tranny & engine - watch the temp & pull over if you have to.
Other notes - Safety chains and working lights are essential. Don't try backing up until you've had plenty of practice in an empty parking lot. Make wide turns.
Good luck.

 

Your owners manual states that towing anything more than 1000 lbs requires trailer brakes. I've done 3K or so without brakes and it seems marginal. You will warp front rotors (if they weren't warped from the factory already) reasonably quickly without trailer brakes.

You will also find out when you have a few hundred pounds of tongue weight, the rear will sag horribly, and the nose will aim skyward. This means your steering and brake wheels (the fronts) are light, so they don't work so well. (Thank Yota for a wussy suspension). Also, your night time driving well get interesting since your headlights no longer aim at the road.

Airbags inside the rear coil springs work good, air up the tires to max psi shown on the sidewalls. If you tow much, you will also want to drop in better shocks.

 

p.s. Trailer should be level or tongue high, never tongue low. It will handle like a shopping cart with tongue low. 10% to 15% of trailer weight should be downforce on tongue, i.e. 3000 lbs trailer, 300lbs tongue.

 

check your local state laws on brakes. and if you borrow a trailer maker sure the inspectiona and tags are good. I borrowed my dads 16' tandem axle . Long story short, 2 tickets with a total of 5 violations and a destroyed state troopers hat(dont ask) in one stop. Good luck and check the lights and brakes before you leave. but the 4runner should tow jsut fine. my atvs and trailer come in at around 5000 pounds, hills are a little rough but other than that you will be fine.

 

When you make a turn at an intersection make sure you get in the outside turn lane.

 

Thanks all. The 3000lb was a safe estimate, it would probably be just half of that and in-town hauling also, but....

I think it's impossible not to ask, so confess

 

we were on the side of the interstate. the air pushed by a trucked that passed blew it off his head and down the shoulder aways. my buddy in the seat next to me if he should go get it. The trooper was a dick and was like no, if it gets messed up they will just get me a new one. Next thing we know another car passes the hat blows onto the road and got run over. HE was furious that it happend and tried to blame it on me. Even though i in no way had anything to do with it. oh well.