2005 Factory Tow Prep Question

drmonkey1313 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 08:51 PM

Hi everyone! I ran a search on this, but did not find exactly what I was looking for, so I wanted to ask.

I have a 2005 Toyota Highlander with the third row seat and the tow prep package. (Basically, I just need to add the tow bar and the wire harness)

I need to install the tow bar and wire harness ASAP for a move home but am confused as to how to do this.

I just checked out the underside of the Highlander and see the two tow rings (not sure if that is what they are called) but I do not see the factory wire harness or "blue box" as I saw it called in the other thread. In the other thread it was located in the wheel well area in the trunk of the Highlander, but my spare is underneath the car and I have the third seat.

Can someone please help me ASAP? I don't have any spare money and have been royally screwed by moving my wife and I to Charlotte, NC and need to install this hitch ASAP so we can move back home.

Thanks everyone, I know you will come through for me. You always do!

LifeTech · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 09:03 AM

There is a TSB on the wiring somewhere. At least there was before TS changed their TSB setup. It might be included with the OE hitch installation instructions.

The tow prep Package should have the harness run through the left side of the cargo area under the storage compartment. This is where the Converter(blue Box that breaks out the lighting power) for the trailer is located. There is a gromet that passes though the floor pan in this area behind the left rear wheel and becomes the 4 pin flat connector that gets mounted to the Reciever Hitch outside the HL. This is how my OE set up is.

LT

LifeTech · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 09:06 AM

When using the OE hitch , the Tow hooks get unbolted and removed and discarded. These areas becomes part of the mounting points of the Hitch.

LT

drmonkey1313 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 07:56 PM

Wonderful! Thank you guys so much for all of your help. I am going to run down now and check all of this out. I will let you know what happens.

Thanks again and wish me luck!

drmonkey1313 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 10:42 PM

So, I checked out the storage compartment in my Highlander and while I did not find a blue box with wires, I did find a white plug with wires in there underneath everything. It was not plugged into anything. Could this be where I plug in my wire harness for the trailer lights????

I will post pictures on my cardomain page in a little bit for you to take a look at and see.

Thanks again.

LifeTech · #6 (**permalink**) 11-10-2007, 08:43 AM

No, blue box...then yu will need the Converter kit.

99% sure that white harness plug goes into the blue converter module , then it breaks out with the harness to the rear 4 pin connector mounted at the reciever hitch.

Apparently this white plug is the extent of the prewiring that came with the Top Prep Package.

LT

drmonkey1313 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2007, 10:47 AM

So wait, sorry for sounding confused, but I am completely confused right now.

So, the white plug I was seeing in the cargo area plugs into the Blue converter that I will have to buy?

Tow stuff is completely new to me, never ever have thought about it let alone tried to install, so the most basic terms and stick figure drawings would be a hughe help. LOL

I am trying to avoid going to Toyota for this.

Thanks again.

LifeTech · #8 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 01:42 AM

Yes and yes.
If yu had all the parts in hand, yu would see that it all falls into place rather easily. i.e. reciever hitch , converter and 4pin flat connector(this will power the lights to the trailer) with wiring harness.
LT

drmonkey1313 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 11:10 PM

Sounds good.

Thanks again for your help.

Have a great night!