Modify Trailer Wiring

[Vytau]

I have a 2000 RX 300 with a dealer installed flat 4 wire connector. I just bought a trailer with brakes that has a flat 5 fire connector. The fifth wire connects to the backup lights and overrides the trailer brakes when backing up.

The backup lights are in the rear hatch and the wires feed into the roof area under the liner. Where can I tap into the backup light wires?

[GDixon]

I have a 2000 RX 300 with a dealer installed flat 4 wire connector. I just bought a trailer with brakes that has a flat 5 fire connector. The fifth wire connects to the backup lights and overrides the trailer brakes when backing up.

The backup lights are in the rear hatch and the wires feed into the roof area under the liner. Where can I tap into the backup light wires?

First of all, towing a trailer that is heavy enough to require self-contained brakes with a 2000 RX300 is not wise. But since you already have the trailer and RX it is too late now.

In most cases a trailer does not even have back-up lights. Most states don't require them on a trailer so you can just leave them unhooked. Evaluate when you'd possibly need back up lights with your trailer to determine if they are really necessary. Replace the 5 wire connector with a 4 wire and you are set to go until the transmission melts down. It shouldn't matter that your brakes will work while in reverse.

Another problem is that the back up lights on the RX are LED lights (I think for the 2000 model) and can't be directly tapped into for a 12V feed.

So your post "modify trailer wiring" should be just that - modify the trailer's wiring and leave the RX alone.

[Vytau]

I have a 2000 RX 300 with a dealer installed flat 4 wire connector. I just bought a trailer with brakes that has a flat 5 fire connector. The fifth wire connects to the backup lights and overrides the trailer brakes when backing up.

The backup lights are in the rear hatch and the wires feed into the roof area under the liner. Where can I tap into the backup light wires?

First of all, towing a trailer that is heavy enough to require self-contained brakes with a 2000 RX300 is not wise. But since you already have the trailer and RX it is too late now.

In most cases a trailer does not even have back-up lights. Most states don't require them on a trailer so you can just leave them unhooked. Evaluate when you'd possibly need back up lights with your trailer to determine if they are really necessary. Replace the 5 wire connector with a 4 wire and you are set to go until the transmission melts down. It shouldn't matter that your brakes will work while in reverse.

Another problem is that the back up lights on the RX are LED lights (I think for the 2000 model) and can't be directly tapped into for a 12V feed.

So your post "modify trailer wiring" should be just that - modify the trailer's wiring and leave the RX alone.

Why do you presume to lecture me.

You made a lot of assumptions whithout the facts. You do not know how heavy the trailer is. It is a boat trailer and has brakes (as many boat trailer do). I am well within the limits of the weight specs as outlined in the owners manual.

I did not say my trailer has back up lights!

I need to tap into my backup lights with the 5th wire so the trailer brakes do not activate when I back the boat up. If the trailer brakes activate while backing up, I can not back up!

You obviosly do not know the 2000 RX 300 because it does not have LED lights.

Stop lecturing! I am asking for a little help, not presumptuous comments.

[1990LS400]

Would any of these 4 to 5 pole converters help? --> http://accessories.etrailer.com/search?w=5%20pole

I've been happy with the products I've bought from etrailer.

[Vytau]

Thank you. The converters look like what I will need. I just need to find the easiest location to tap into the backup light circuit.

[GDixon]

I have a 2000 RX 300 with a dealer installed flat 4 wire connector. I just bought a trailer with brakes that has a flat 5 fire connector. The fifth wire connects to the backup lights and overrides the trailer brakes when backing up.

The backup lights are in the rear hatch and the wires feed into the roof area under the liner. Where can I tap into the backup light wires?

First of all, towing a trailer that is heavy enough to require self-contained brakes with a 2000 RX300 is not wise. But since you already have the trailer and RX it is too late now.

In most cases a trailer does not even have back-up lights. Most states don't require them on a trailer so you can just leave them unhooked. Evaluate when you'd possibly need back up lights with your trailer to determine if they are really necessary. Replace the 5 wire connector with a 4 wire and you are set to go until the transmission melts down. It shouldn't matter that your brakes will work while in reverse.

Another problem is that the back up lights on the RX are LED lights (I think for the 2000 model) and can't be directly tapped into for a 12V feed.

So your post "modify trailer wiring" should be just that - modify the trailer's wiring and leave the RX alone.

Why do you presume to lecture me.

You made a lot of assumptions whithout the facts. You do not know how heavy the trailer is. It is a boat trailer and has brakes (as many boat trailer do). I am well within the limits of the weight specs as outlined in the owners manual.

I did not say my trailer has back up lights!

I need to tap into my backup lights with the 5th wire so the trailer brakes do not activate when I back the boat up. If the trailer brakes activate while backing up, I can not back up!

You obviosly do not know the 2000 RX 300 because it does not have LED lights.

Stop lecturing! I am asking for a little help, not presumptuous comments.

Touchy, touchy.

[GDixon]

Try this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RjRtjUr8j8

[GDixon]

Try this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RjRtjUr8j8

Also, this post has a .PDF file embedded in it that has pictures of how to access the backup light.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=44772

[pauljcl]

I have a 2000 RX 300 with a dealer installed flat 4 wire connector. I just bought a trailer with brakes that has a flat 5 fire connector. The fifth wire connects to the backup lights and overrides the trailer brakes when backing up.

The backup lights are in the rear hatch and the wires feed into the roof area under the liner. Where can I tap into the backup light wires?

Hi, Vytau! I have the same issue --> I have purchased an accessory (back-up sensor beep) that attached to the license plate, and needs to be connected to the back-up light so that it is activated when (the car is put into reverse and) the back-up light comes on. Oc ourse, neithr my '99 RX300 nor your 2000 RX300 have LED lights.

Have you found the quickest/easiest route to the wiring of the back-up lights? Do you know what colour wire the back-up lights use?

Thanks!

Paul