7 Pin Trailer Wiring reocating to Bumper

I have seen a couple threads on doing this mod, the main one on this site involves cutting a 2" hole in the bumper. In the mod on Toyota Nation, the guy drilled 2 holes to mount it, which is not a good idea either. I instead relocated the 7 pin harness where the drivers side light for the license plate. I chose this instead of hacking the bumper, given the fact that my first bumper rusted out, I did not want to cause a warranty / lease return issue.

1. Remove the driver's side license plate light, and the plastic insert that the mounting screw threads into.
2. Unbolt the 7 pin wiring, and the bracket from the receiver.
3. Cut tape and fasteners holding the 7 pin wiring.
4. Disconnect the wire connector located about 18" from the 7 pin harness.
5. Trim the 7 pin harness, mostly around the top corners, I also trimmed the tab on the bottom, leaving it mostly intact, just thinner so it can still grab the bumper when inserted. (some trimming info, from a thread that I found http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1652523&posted=1 )
6. With a "5/32's drill bit and drill a hole in the side of the 7 pin harness, line it up with the existing screw hole for the license plate light.
7. Notch the harness so where the new screw goes, is a flat surface.
8. Trim the harness and it fit snug.
9. Wash the area with Isopropyl Alcohol.
10. Pull it out just far enough, and applied a heavy bead of black RTV silicone.
11. Push the harness on level and flush. Make it look perty....
12. I used a black powder coated screw, and threaded it into a piece of pressure treated wood. (a little hillbilly, I know....)
13. Zip tie and tape all wires (use a brand name electrical tape)
Voila, a completely reversible mod, that uses no holes, and causes no rust. Some after pics...

 

I should've mentioned, this mod took 30 minutes, and it was easy.

 

That's frickin awesome ! Nice install.I'm doin that tomorrow and also the rearview mirror. Hey are u the dude always ranting on here?

 

good writeup!

I highly recomend this mod, i did mine about a year ago after bending my mount multiple times. only difference is that i drilled a hole and put it between the plate and the light (since then i have replaced the bolts with black ones that blend in....this is the only pic i have though).

 

Yes, my 2010 is has not been what I expected, but I have more posts helping than complaining, maybe.....