Rav4 Towbar Wiring

[narrowtoyota]

Just stuck a towbar on my little RAV4 (1996) However can find no easy way to connect to the rear lights wiring looms.

I have looked at the several threads on this subject but could find no answers. I can find the rear light wiring behind the light clusters on each side, but how do I get the cable from the towbar up the side of the rear. I can find no holes with grommets to route the cable inboard. Also which cables are which, just save time testing the brake / side lamp cicuits.

Any advice much appreciated. Richard

[snowjoke]

I've never fitted a towbar, but from my enquiries it costs around £400-500 to fit one, mainly due to the complexities of fitting the necessary wiring. I think it involves stripping out the internal trim and adding new wires in. Not an easy or quick job unfortunately. That was for a 4.2 - might be different for a 4.1 like you have.

[daveh_rav4]

Hi Richard...

I fitted a tow bar a few months a go to my 4.1. The complete genuine Toyota tow bar kit is expensive (if you can still obtain it?). As you have already fitted the tow bar... and like mine its probably a third party bar (cheaper). All that then remains to do is to complete the wiring. The best solution is to obtain a genuine Toyota wiring kit - GBNGA-TR052 from a Toyota dealer (they will probably have to order it)... the last price I have is £32.61 (exc. vat). This kit comes with all the correct connectors to plug into the rear wiring loom located behind the two side panels (you will have to remove these). Routing for the wiring to the tow bar is down the side of the body panel (each side) and then out via two oval plastic grommets located under the rear body box section below the rear door. You could purchase a general purpose wiring kit and 'skotch block' them to the rear light wiring, but the Toyota kit just plugs in, its a lot easier and makes a better job of it. Apart from the wiring loom you also get the tow bar socket, bracket, relay and indicator dash warning light... plus all the instructions. Fitting time, assuming you have not removed these side panels before is about three hours. Be careful removing the plastic poppers that hold the side panels (push the middle in)... it is easy to lose them! I paid £90 for my tow bar + the wiring kit... all fitted for under £130.

Hope this helps...

DaveH

Just stuck a towbar on my little RAV4 (1996) However can find no easy way to connect to the rear lights wiring looms.

I have looked at the several threads on this subject but could find no answers. I can find the rear light wiring behind the light clusters on each side, but how do I get the cable from the towbar up the side of the rear. I can find no holes with grommets to route the cable inboard. Also which cables are which, just save time testing the brake / side lamp cicuits.

Any advice much appreciated. Richard

[narrowtoyota]

Many thanks for the reply, just the job. Will make up my own wiring using the access you described.

Richard