Gen 3, adding 4 pin plug for trailer lights

2018 sr5, w/o towing package. is there a way to know if there is a plug ready for adding the trailer 4 pin connector? behind the bumper, off the wire harness, there is an empty plug. could this be for the light hookup? seems it can't be that easy, as i can't find anything about adding the plug in that fashion.

on my 2015, i used the t-connectors to the tail lights and it was fine for the little towing i do, but the kit they sell for the 2018 has a 'powered' converter box, and i didn't really want to go through the hassle of running a wire all the way to the battery.

thanks.

 

Not sure about the 2018's but there wasn't one for the 2017's. Don't think you can avoid going all the way to the battery. This thread has some good information https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...wiring-mounting-installation-question.420763/

Hope it helps

 

There's absolutely no reason to run anything to the battery for a 4 wire. Regardless of the presence of a factory plug everything you need is at the back of the truck.

 

There is absolutely a need for a powered box and a need to go to the battery. Older vehicles you could tap right into the twilight wiring. New vehicles with sensors for a tail light out usually show a dash light if you try and tap them. The new harnesses pretty much are all powered converter boxes now.

 

Everything I have found for the newer tacomas has a powered box. my 2015 did not. the installation video said it was to avoid overloading the circuit, but i have LEDs on the trailer, so i don't think i would have that issue, except the box needs power.

i looked under my buddy's w/ factory tow (2016), hoping to see a pigtail hooked up to a connector, but it looks like it goes into the harness, not plugged in. i just wonder what the spare plug, less than 12" from the connector knockout in the bumper, is for. figured it would be easier to wire them all for tow using a plug, then just add the pigtail, but it looks like a different harness.

 

thanks for the link, i will check it out.

 

Have the same question about the mysterious empty plug on drivers side behind rear bumper. Picture is attached. Have a 2019 Tacoma 4cyl 5-speed Auto no tow package. Only want to tow 14' aluminum boat and jet ski short distances. Can and have the ability to install the after market hitch and wiring harness but dang, would be so sweet to plug and play a pigtail from that plug (if that's what its there for) to an OEM connector on the bumper (replaces the plastic plug that's there now).

 

in that picture theres 7 open pins in the harness ...im guess thats what its for

 

That's what I'm thinking too, but haven't found any sort of firm confirmation. Also haven't found the male end for the pictured connector.

Here are the parts that go from the 4-pin/7-ping bumper connector to that connector but as stated above, just need the male end of that connector.

I will test out that empty connector using multi-meter and report back here.

https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Hopkins/HM40975-11998.html

 

Has anyone solved the question on what the empty plug does that is just in front of the bumper on the drivers side? I have a small aluminum boat with two lights and I want to tow it. I have a CURT hitch installed and my trailer has a 4 pin connection.

 

I’m also very curious have this one mine and would love to install a hitch soon. Hoping this make the trailer lights a breeze