• We’re Back – Thanks for Your Patience! We’re thrilled to welcome you back! After some time offline, our site is up and running again, though you may experience occasional instability as we work through the final steps of restoring full functionality. Your understanding and support mean the world to us – thank you for sticking with us through this!
  • Email notifications are being sent but may be blocked by spam filters. If you don’t receive an expected email, please check your spam folder.

Phev Tow Vehicles

ALLen said:
I just got a RAV4 Hybrid and was informed that they can't wire in the break controller because its a "Hybrid". Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Who is "they"?
Just curious, and while "not a hybrid" here is a related note on doing homework on all the bits:

I had to seek out an independent euro car shop willing to install the Curt 4/7 harness recommended by Cary for my VW Alltrack. (Because the local VW dealer wouldnt touch it...and while the local truck and tractor shop was willing to try, they candidly admitted no experience with VW wiring...

I've noted in past the unwillingness/inability of shops like Uhaul or basic truck trailer hitch wiring install places to attempt something involving VWs due to canbus wiring. Cary mentioned there has been a learning curve on other german cars, in past.

So, fwiw: I'm guessing new hybrid owners will need to shop advice some too,
to git-r-done right per your individual tow vehicle, and these kinds of vehicle specific forums are often best place to start researching "how-to..."
Thanks and h/t: Ken and Peggy for the link...

Related caution: It took awhile but etrailer started sharing videos on installs on hitches themselves by owners of various car types...use youtoob with caution...

and another caution: e-trailer lays out some info by "human-being" names but they are actually robot accounts sharing info...for related parts, which dont fit...always call and confirm with a human on things like oil seal bearing rings.

One small tip I can share from my direct experience is to be sure to waterproof the connectors in any kit ...

like Curts from e-trailer...
as ice and grime can gather under there and raise the line resistance causing battery line fuses to blow, (or whatever the equivalent might be in the hybrid).

I'd a thunk that waterproofing wire connectors was common-sense by the ND tuner shop I hired to install the harness, but I guess the junior guy was in a hurry
and since the Curt kit didnt include those waterproofing parts/materials, it took me finding out the hard way;

...saved only by Craig and Cary troubleshooting my rig late into a Friday nite to suss it out and provide a road safe alternative until I could pull out of the shop into an approaching winter storm to get home and re-do that bit later.

So, Allen: Please let us know how it goes...

We all learn from one another and
Once again my deep thanks to all on this community, for doing so.

I've learned so much.
 
Last edited:
Who is 'they'?
I have a Highlander Hybrid, essentially the same drivetrain, I wired it myself.
12 volt wire went directly to the battery in back. Autowbrake controller for braking.
Works fine.
 
ALLen said:
I just got a RAV4 Hybrid and was informed that they can't wire in the break controller because its a "Hybrid". Is this correct?
Click to expand...
How about this Campinn item: NEW for 2019:Trailer Mounted Brake Controller -
With this Autowbrake brand brake controller installed in your trailer, it works with every tow vehicle. Great for families with multiple tow vehicles. (Electric Brakes- Standard, or Electric Brakes- w/Park Option required on trailer).
 
rmbrowder said:
How about this Campinn item: NEW for 2019:Trailer Mounted Brake Controller -
With this Autowbrake brand brake controller installed in your trailer, it works with every tow vehicle. Great for families with multiple tow vehicles. (Electric Brakes- Standard, or Electric Brakes- w/Park Option required on trailer).
Click to expand...
Haha! Excellent point. If this can be added 'aftermarket' it sure would seem to solve this potential problem...correct?
 
I have the AutoW, had it added at the Nest as an aftermarket upgrade to my used but new to me 2010 560UltraSUV.

Its been flawless for two years and 18k miles.
Ability to dial up or down the pressure useful for burning off surface rust on pads after long storage.(see owners manual)

And lightening up on pads on a bad bearing that was heating up the drum, until changed. Cant be sure this made a huge difference but nice to try and helped troubleshooting on the road.

Also- pretty sure the AutoW materially helped keep trailer in trail, stable after two high speed tire fails on the tow vehicle...light braking straightens things out when a wobble might otherwise get sporty...passing a semi at 70mph...

Electric brakes are so worth it.
Being able to tow with multiple vehicles just by using the clicker on key ring or
A bit of velcro stuck to dash,
is a no brainer benefit.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top