I have a 1985 4runner that I need to set up to pull a boat. I can't seem to find the wiring harness for it. Do I just use the universal one and wire it myself? If so, any guidelines or tips? I am really bad at wiring.

 

I wouldnt go w/ the universal wiring plug. Go ahead and get the one that is "made" for your truck. It is the plug+it has a little black box along w/ it (I think there is diodes or fuses or something to isolate it from the vehicle when the trailer gets a short or something.) Someone correctr me if I'm wrong.

 

I wired one myself on my truck using a universal plug from Wal-Mart... just splice into the taillights, brake light, etc. But if you're bad at wiring then maybe go with a pre-made one like suggested above.

Rob

 

go with the premade one it plugs right in the back of your lights. then there is no guessing what wire gos where to deal with.

 

So will they have this "premade" harness at say autozone or some other store? I can't seem to find it online.

Thanx

 

http://www.etrailer.com/c-ELEBF.htm lists this for the toyota..
You can find a premade 'universal' one that will work. U-Haul also has universal ones --(Assuming your trailer is using the basic 4 Wire hook up) It is pretty simple to hook up and you should just be able to use a test light and follow the instructions included with the kit. Reason for using the kit is the separate turn signal and brake lights used on earlier toyotas. Trailer lights usually the same light for brake/turn. Simply splice one side for brake light, one for left turn and one for right turn--(using the adapter)
http://www.accessconnect.com/trailer_wiring_diagram.htm
White=Ground
Yellow=Left/Stop & Turn
Green=Right/Stop & Turn
Brown=Tail, license and side marker lights

these guys list the adapter for 1984-94 trucks (same for 4Runner) #43305 for $28.95--down towards the bottom...
http://www.accessconnect.com/trailerwiring.htm

**Get a test light (3-5$) and test the wires before you cut and realize you hosed yoursellf and take your time...make sure you have good grounds on both truck and trailer. Lights blinking funky are usually a bad ground.

hope this makes sense, I am at the tail end of a 12 hour night shift....good luck

 

Not sure the 1st gen 4Runners have a single plug that you can connect a trailer wiring adapter into, I think the pickups may. I have the U-Haul universal adapter on my '85 4Runner. It is in the driver's side rear, tapped into the light wires there and one wire from the passenger side turn signal over to it. It works OK, installed by the previous owner of the truck.