I don’t mean boxed framed SUV’s and trucks. I know two cars for sure has the harness hidden in the rear compartment, the Subaru Outback and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. You would think the Subaru Forester would have one also, but doesn’t. What are some others that have one?
Cars that come with a pre wired trailer harness connector
- Thread starter Finklejag
- Start date
Meaning, regardless of whether or not it is equipped from the factory with a tow package? Specifically an interior hidden harness, or are you asking about any non body on frame vehicle?
I had a 2008 Highlander with the tow package that had a 4 pin harness under the cargo floor. My 2014 MDX with the tow package has a 7 pin connector integrated externally next to the receiver.
I had a 2008 Highlander with the tow package that had a 4 pin harness under the cargo floor. My 2014 MDX with the tow package has a 7 pin connector integrated externally next to the receiver.
Durango does, I believe the Grand Cherokee as well.
My 2002 Ford explorer had a factory installed receiver hitch, and connection for trailer wiring. So having that isn't anything new.,,
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Hopkins has 440 different vehicle specific wiring kits that tee into the harness. Plug and play.
https://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/vehicle-wiring-kits/
https://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/vehicle-wiring-kits/
I usually shop at etrailer for stuff like this.
But on my ‘11 Camry, I was feeling cheap and just simply tapped the wires in the trunk, and made my own convertor to run the trailer lights. Felt bad using scotchlocks but they were inside the car (or maybe I used Wagos? too long ago, and its now gone from the driveway). I had a partial wire diagram so it was easy to do.
But on my ‘11 Camry, I was feeling cheap and just simply tapped the wires in the trunk, and made my own convertor to run the trailer lights. Felt bad using scotchlocks but they were inside the car (or maybe I used Wagos? too long ago, and its now gone from the driveway). I had a partial wire diagram so it was easy to do.
Just tuck it under the trim when done?
I don’t believe I conveyed what I am asking correctly. I had a 2018 Outback and Subaru had a trailer harness connector buried in the rear of the car. You just needed to buy the 4 pin trailer wiring kit and plug it in to the harness in the car. No need to run a wire all the way to the battery.
Got it.
I feel like this has to be a rarity--you know, in an era where you need a diesel dually to tow a dingy, who would think to use a lowly sedan to tow anything? Heck my Corolla and Camry's manuals say not to install a hitch for usage for a bicycle rack!
IIRC Corolla Cross does allow towing... but that's not a sedan/car. Limiting to sedans... maybe look at Euro vehicles? Over there they would have higher limits (or a limit as opposed to "not recommended for towing" here) and maybe have this harness, ready for usage. Pure guess on my part--guessing anything designed specifically for the NA market likely dropped that as "no one wants sedans anymore, and no one should tow with one anyhow".
The aftermarket can blur this with plug 'n play that just tees into a connector at rear of vehicle with factory/ factory copy connectors. This is what I've installed on an SH Forester. Curt IIRC
Also a Range Rover from Atlantic British
Most trailers on a car are not perceived to need a power wire for something like a battery or LQ lighting ‐‐ just stop/tail/turn
Also a Range Rover from Atlantic British
Most trailers on a car are not perceived to need a power wire for something like a battery or LQ lighting ‐‐ just stop/tail/turn
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
@Finklejag is your question out of curiosity or are you making buying decisions based on the hidden connection? I mentioned the Hopkins kits because ive used a couple of them in the past and they seemed good quality and they plugged into a connector in the back of the vehicle.
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I too used one made by Curt designed specifically for our model of car, and just to be sure I bought a tester. Worked flawlessly.
Yes, I didn’t know about it until I read about it on the Outback forum.If it's hidden, wouldn't most vehicle owners not know about it?
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reminds me (for real) of my Craftsman snow blower back in 2003. I asked a forum any way for me to add a headlight? They said yeah, you should see a brown wire under the gas tank, that will power a light....
Polaris does the same with a wire in back for reverse lights (although amp load capacity is debated and a relay recommended). Still, it's a trigger wire built-in and that's awesome
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
My dad bought a used Grand Prix around 2000 and wished it had a trunk release. I did some checking and found the hole in the side of the glove box and the connector under the dash and the popper was on the trunk latch. $5 for an OEM button and he had his release. Apparently the car didn't have the right option group or trim level so they let the button out.
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I don’t think those are built body on frame. My Grand Cherokee has a factory tow package and I use it to tow my 20 foot boat on tandem trailer.
Seems like Honda Pilot just requires you plug in to a connector and hitch was included. I own 15 base model 4wd and tow. I hooked up included harness from previous owner in 15 mins.
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