What is this connector for?

[jordaninatx]

Hello,

Somewhat of a Newbie, I have attempted to search for the answer, but haven't found anything.
I have an 08 Highlander Sport without the Tow Prep (confirmed with Toyota via VIN) and was trying to determine how difficult it would be to install the wiring harness. In looking for the the 4-pin vehicle harness that would interface with the wiring harness that I would install, I ran across this:


It obviously isn't the 4 pin connector I am seeking, but what is it? Any use for towing?

[bobert1634]

Can you give a better idea of where you found this connector. What location. Maybe a pic from farther away.

[jordaninatx]

My apologies, this was in the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side underneath the trim box (where the 4-pin wiring harness should be according to all the instructions I have read).

[newsrv]

It is part of the wiring for a trailer. If you get Toyota part PT219-48871 it includes a wire harness that plugs into the connector that you found. The wire harness then is routed to the rear of the Highlander and has the standard 4-pin trailer plug. The PT219-4871 kit also has a converter that is installed near the brake pedal, see post #11 on this link Wiring for 7 Wire Trailer Setup. It function is to convert the Toyota's three light setup to a two light setup that trailers use.

The Toyota part is about $100. etrailer.com has a similar setup for $40, http://www.etrailer.com/t1-2008_Toyota_Highlander.htm

[jordaninatx]

Thanks for the info, I had read your post before and was intrigued by your comment:

BTW, I’ll bet that all Highlanders come with a “prewired harness.” If anyone without the towing package can confirm this, then anyone wanting to tow a small, light trailer could order a HL without the towing package, saving about $200. All that would be needed is the hitch and converter/wiring harness.

Nonetheless, it didn't appear as if that was confirmed by anyone. I was looking for the "prewired harness" and didn't see the connector in the front and when looking for it in the back the item I found (pictured) didn't resemble the white connector as portrayed in the etrailer youtubes.

Thanks for the confirmation!