R-pod Owners Forum : Charging wire

R-pod Owners Forum : Charging wire https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Charging wire Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 07:07:04 +0000 Sat, 11 Feb 2017 22:20:29 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=9076 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Charging wire : Me too.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=87849#87849 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 9076
Posted: 11 Feb 2017 at 10:20pm

Me too.... Smile

]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2017 22:20:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=87849#87849 Charging wire : Great! I'm glad it worked... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=87846#87846 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9076
Posted: 11 Feb 2017 at 8:52pm

Great! I'm glad it worked out for you.]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2017 20:52:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=87846#87846 Charging wire : Thanks everyone for your comments.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=87844#87844 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 9076
Posted: 11 Feb 2017 at 8:40pm

Thanks everyone for your comments. I never had any intention of fooling around with those wires myself. I know enough to stay away from something that I have little knowledge of, especially with today's complicated vehicle electrical systems..lol. Much rather leave it someone who deals with it every day.

Having said that, my local Toyota specialist took care of it. Including a 10 gauge charge line and a good ground to frame. Everything works great now. I'm a happy camper...

]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2017 20:40:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=87844#87844 Charging wire : Agreed on using a short ground... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85490#85490 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9076
Posted: 01 Dec 2016 at 2:58pm

Agreed on using a short ground wire and connecting to the frame. That is what the eTrailer video shows.]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:58:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85490#85490 Charging wire : I'll reiterate that you need... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85475#85475 Author: techntrek
Subject: 9076
Posted: 01 Dec 2016 at 1:33pm

I'll reiterate that you need to use 10 (or 8) gauge wiring for the +12 connection. I've run through the numbers here a few times showing why the 12 gauge wiring usually installed by the manufacturer and places like U-Haul is inadequate.

However, no need to run 10 gauge from the battery to the negative connection. You want to connect it to the body as close as practical to the Bargeman. Since that is a short run you can use a smaller gauge wire - but I still recommend 10 or 8 gauge. You just don't need to run 15 feet of it to the battery.]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2016 13:33:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85475#85475 Charging wire : Thank you Stephen. That's... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85396#85396 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 9076
Posted: 30 Nov 2016 at 12:00am

Thank you Stephen. That's great information. Very helpful.

I will follow up.

]]> Wed, 30 Nov 2016 00:00:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85396#85396 Charging wire : From everything I can find out,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85392#85392 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9076
Posted: 29 Nov 2016 at 9:54pm

From everything I can find out, including documentation from Toyota, the Highlander's "towing package" is more like a partial towing package. Here is a quote from http://www.toyotaofdecatur.com/blog/2016-toyota-highlander-towing-capacity/

"The towing package that comes standard includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, supplemental transmission oil cooler and 150-amp alternator. All this allows V6 models to tow a trailer up to 5,000 pounds!" The "towing package" is more like a Towing Ready package where the owner or dealer has to add the rest of the parts needed to actually use it for towing such as the hitch receiver and electrical connector.

The eTrailer web site does not list any sort of dedicated wiring harness for the Highlander, but for all the models listed, calls for use of the Universal Installation Kit.

We are home now, so I I looked up and saw that there was a video for installation on a 2014 Highlander. It should also help with installation on the 2016 Highlander. Here is a link for the page:
Universal Installation Kit
Under the Videos tab, scroll down and select to view all the videos. Scroll down on the list and toward the bottom is the video for the 2014 Highlander. This video will help to see what is needed to install a controller. Unless the Toyota manual specifies that there is a connection for the controller, I would trust eTrailer's statement that the kit (or equivalent) is needed. Since the round connector is already present, it is the wiring and breakers that are the main thing needed. If the ground was just spliced in to the vehicle's taillight wiring, then a better ground to the vehicle frame would also need to be run.

I hope you are successful in getting this done. The video should help.
]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2016 21:54:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85392#85392 Charging wire : I plan to do just that...Thanks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85361#85361 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 9076
Posted: 28 Nov 2016 at 11:46pm

I plan to do just that...

Thanks everyone for your responses. I do appreciate that.

]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2016 23:46:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85361#85361 Charging wire : I agree with furpod up to a point.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85360#85360 Author: sailor323
Subject: 9076
Posted: 28 Nov 2016 at 11:38pm

I agree with furpod up to a point. My Toyota Tacoma had a 4 pin trailer connector. I had it in the shop for something completely unrelated but had just bought the r-pod so I asked the dealer to install a Bargman connector. No problem (just $). Well, in the first place they did not provide power to the aux terminal. Second, they just spliced into the wiring for the trailer lights on the 4 pin connector. So, 12V aux power was not delivered to the pod when hooked up to the tow vehicleand the fridge drained the battery. I then ran a wire from the battery to the Bargman aux terminal. However, the Bargman ground was the ground to the 4 pin trailer lights (way too light for running the fridge). So, in addition to the 10 ga positive wire I ran a 10 ga negative wire to the Bargman. Furpod is right, you've got to know what you have got. Get under there and examine the wires that connect to the Bargman.]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2016 23:38:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85360#85360 Charging wire : Originally posted by StephenH Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85356#85356 Author: furpod
Subject: 9076
Posted: 28 Nov 2016 at 10:14pm

Originally posted by StephenH

Originally posted by furpod

OK, so far, near as I can tell, you don't actually KNOW what is back there. Correct? Before we go hacking up the wiring harness etc on a brand new computer controlled modern vehicle, lets make sure we NEED to.

If Toyota did this, I PROMISE they didn't cut into your wiring harness anywhere. If the Highlander actually came with a factory tow package it WILL have a plug in pigtail for the trailer wiring harness. It probably has one in the driver's area for the brake controller too..

Just so you know, with modern cars and trucks, if you go hacking in extra wiring, lights etc, they often will give an error code, possibly even shut down, when they "see" the drop or increase in voltage on that circuit. Really. Your Toyota has more processing power then the Lunar Landing missions had access to.

Just a quick look under the rear, at the back of the Bargman connector and you should be able to follow the wire bundle to see if it goes randomly, or to the factory harness.

My Toyota contact says if it has factory tow, they have a plug in connector on the harness. But, whatever.
]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2016 22:14:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85356#85356 Charging wire : Originally posted by furpodOK,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85353#85353 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9076
Posted: 28 Nov 2016 at 9:17pm

Unfortunately, not all cars with factory tow packages come with a dedicated pigtail. My Escape (2016 SE with factory tow package) did ot have a dedicated connector for a brake controller. It came with a 4-pin connector. I needed to use the ETBC7 Universal wiring package from eTrailer. That is why I suggested that the OP refer to eTrailer in order to connect the brake controller. They were a great resource, not just for the equipment, but the expertise. They have videos that are helpful also.

I just checked on eTrailer. The Highlander will require the ETBC7 Universal Installation Kit or the equivalent homemade kit to connect it. Since the Bargman connector was already installed, the wire and breaker with appropriate connections may be the main thing needed. There will be two wires to run from front to back. The one is for charging. The second is connected to the brake connection to power the brakes. I'm not home, so I don't have the instructions available to look at, so I can't be more specific at this point.
]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2016 21:17:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85353#85353 Charging wire : Ditto! https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85316#85316 Author: Leo B
Subject: 9076
Posted: 28 Nov 2016 at 2:54pm

Ditto!]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2016 14:54:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85316#85316 Charging wire : OK, so far, near as I can tell,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85307#85307 Author: furpod
Subject: 9076
Posted: 28 Nov 2016 at 8:18am

OK, so far, near as I can tell, you don't actually KNOW what is back there. Correct? Before we go hacking up the wiring harness etc on a brand new computer controlled modern vehicle, lets make sure we NEED to.

If Toyota did this, I PROMISE they didn't cut into your wiring harness anywhere. If the Highlander actually came with a factory tow package it WILL have a plug in pigtail for the trailer wiring harness. It probably has one in the driver's area for the brake controller too..

Just so you know, with modern cars and trucks, if you go hacking in extra wiring, lights etc, they often will give an error code, possibly even shut down, when they "see" the drop or increase in voltage on that circuit. Really. Your Toyota has more processing power then the Lunar Landing missions had access to.

Just a quick look under the rear, at the back of the Bargman connector and you should be able to follow the wire bundle to see if it goes randomly, or to the factory harness.
]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2016 08:18:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85307#85307 Charging wire : When it comes to DC, using bigger... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85306#85306 Author: Guests
Subject: 9076
Posted: 28 Nov 2016 at 6:27am

When it comes to DC, using bigger is better. There is less voltage drop and it can handle more amperage. 10ga. is fine. If I were shopping/purchasing new, I'd look at 8ga., also.

(former FF, EMT, LEO, here. Thanks for your service!)]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2016 06:27:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85306#85306 Charging wire : Thanks. That's pretty straight... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85304#85304 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 9076
Posted: 27 Nov 2016 at 11:35pm

Thanks. That's pretty straight forward. I just don't look forward to crawling around under the car...lol]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2016 23:35:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85304#85304 Charging wire : I'm guessing that the dealer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85302#85302 Author: sailor323
Subject: 9076
Posted: 27 Nov 2016 at 10:28pm

I'm guessing that the dealer simply tapped into the wires that control the lights (signal, brake, etc.) If so, those wires are insufficient to charge the battery. Run a 10 ga wire (positive and negative) to the 7 pin connector. Put a fuse (25-30 A) on the positive wire at the tow vehicle battery. It's a pretty simple endeavor.]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2016 22:28:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85302#85302 Charging wire : Check out eTrailer.com since you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85301#85301 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9076
Posted: 27 Nov 2016 at 10:10pm

Check out eTrailer.com since you will need to get an electric brake controller. You should get the information on wiring there. I don't know if the Highlander will have a specific harness or if you will have to get the generic harness like I did for our Escape. I chose the Hopkins InSIGHT Flex-Mount controller which has worked very well for us. Others choose the Prodigy P3 controller. In any case, you will need a controller for the brakes. Make sure it is a proportional controller.
]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2016 22:10:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85301#85301 Charging wire : The dealer originally installed... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85300#85300 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 9076
Posted: 27 Nov 2016 at 9:53pm

The dealer originally installed the hitch and only a flat 4 pin connector. When I went to pick up my Highlander I saw this and told them to install what i originally asked for, which was, a hitch rated appropriately for the Highlander and the appropriate plugin to tow a travel trailer. So, I think they just moved the wires from the flat 4 pin over to a 7 pin they added. So, I'm left with that. Since they didn't charge me for anything, I really can't get to angry, and I'm left to my own devices..lol]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2016 21:53:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85300#85300 Charging wire : If it has a tow package and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85297#85297 Author: furpod
Subject: 9076
Posted: 27 Nov 2016 at 8:54pm

If it has a tow package and a 7 pin, are you sure it's not sending a charge? If you are sure, then the answer is 10 gauge wire, fused with a 30A. The most basic, and with best possibility for it to cause issues in the future, is a wire right from the alternator or battery positive on your truck. The better way is a relay in line so the charge wire is only hot when the truck is running.

To check that it is or is not charging, start the truck, then use a multimeter to probe the two connections at 1 and 7 o'clock, with the alignment tab as "12 o'clock" you should see voltage. (I just can't imagine a dealer not using the factory harness, which should include a charge wire)
]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2016 20:54:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85297#85297 Charging wire : My TV is a 2016 Highlander V-6... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85294#85294 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 9076
Posted: 27 Nov 2016 at 8:31pm

My TV is a 2016 Highlander V-6 with factory tow pkg. dealer installed hitch and 4 and 7 pin plugin. They did not install a power line from which I could charge my trailer battery while driving, so being the newbe that I am, I figured I would need a line from battery to the 7 pin plugin. I don't think there is any power at the rear of the Highlander to tap into. Only brake, tail, running, and directional signals. Am I missing something?]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2016 20:31:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85294#85294 Charging wire : Why are you running a wire? what... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85291#85291 Author: furpod
Subject: 9076
Posted: 27 Nov 2016 at 7:48pm

Why are you running a wire? what is your tow vehicle?]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2016 19:48:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85291#85291 Charging wire : Hi all,I need assistance. I'm... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85289#85289 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 9076
Posted: 27 Nov 2016 at 5:51pm

Hi all,

I need assistance. I'm a new soon to be Rpod owner, and I need to run a wire from my battery to my 7 pin plugin. As this is new to me can anyone tell me the best gauge wire, and should it have an inline fuse or is that on the trailer side?

Thanks,

Any help is greatly appreciated

Steve

]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2016 17:51:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9076&PID=85289#85289