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Trailer hitch wiring question - adding a 4 pole flat

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by fshams, Jan 25, 2018.

  1. Jan 25, 2018 at 5:18 AM
    #1
    fshams

    fshams [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My 2012 Tacoma came with the OEM hitch and 7 pole wiring. I'd like to add a 4 pole flat wiring and retain my 7 pole wiring. I'm told I can easily add a T connector wiring for this.
    Has anyone done this and how?
     
  2. Jan 25, 2018 at 5:27 AM
    #2
    Stemmy

    Stemmy Certified Wombat Rancher

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    I just use a 7 to 4 pin adapter.
     
  3. Jan 25, 2018 at 5:32 AM
    #3
    Muffdiver

    Muffdiver Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional

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  4. Jan 25, 2018 at 6:51 AM
    #4
    fshams

    fshams [OP] Well-Known Member

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  5. Jan 25, 2018 at 6:58 AM
    #5
    edm3rd

    edm3rd Well-Known Member

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    For clarification, do you need to use both the 7-pin and 4-pin at the same time?
     
  6. Jan 25, 2018 at 7:04 AM
    #6
    fshams

    fshams [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Exactly... I have a LED light bar that I need attached in to the 4 pin flat module at all
     
  7. Jan 25, 2018 at 7:15 AM
    #7
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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    Rattletrap66 likes this.
  8. Jan 25, 2018 at 7:24 AM
    #8
    Sandman614

    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    Why run the Light bar from the trailer plug?
     
    Rattletrap66 likes this.
  9. Jan 25, 2018 at 7:36 AM
    #9
    Tacosail

    Tacosail Well-Known Member

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    This is the way to go. I think that they make them in 4 and 5 pin configurations, get the 4 pin model if you don't need the 5 pin, as you will have to cut off the back end of the boot on the 4 pin plug to install it on the 5 pin connector, losing some of its water resistant abilities . More important, if you plan on keeping it plugged in all the time.
     
  10. Jan 25, 2018 at 7:43 AM
    #10
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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    The one I posted works with 4 and 5 pin connectors with no cutting of the plug required. The one that has just a 4 pin connector has a molded connector for Ford.
     
  11. Jan 25, 2018 at 11:49 AM
    #11
    fshams

    fshams [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I don't want to splice in to the existing wiring. I've seen T-connectors that you plug in between the factory wiring and the 7 pin module which adds the extra 4 pin flat module. Just not sure how to disconnect the existing wiring at the 7 pin connector below the bumper.
     
  12. Jan 25, 2018 at 12:09 PM
    #12
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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  13. Jan 25, 2018 at 12:52 PM
    #13
    Gunshot-6A

    Gunshot-6A Prime Beef

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    @fshams I asked the exact same question before trying to do the same thing ( Baja Designs RTL in my case). I could never get an answer from anyone that had actually done it on a tacoma. You may have to be the guinea pig on this one.

    I found an easy work around since I had to run some of the wiring up to the engine bay for my switchpros anyway. I just used the trailer brake controller pigtail as the signal.
     
  14. Jan 25, 2018 at 6:24 PM
    #14
    Sandman614

    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    Let me rephrase, why run the led bar off of the trailer wiring at all. Also where is it mounted(what's its purpose) and how are you controlling it.
     
  15. Jan 26, 2018 at 3:23 AM
    #15
    fshams

    fshams [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This is what I’m referring to:

    2A861948-FAAE-42C2-832C-6791D0054E60.jpg
     
  16. Jan 26, 2018 at 4:17 AM
    #16
    Sandman614

    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    OK, now that makes sense.
     
  17. Jan 31, 2018 at 3:42 PM
    #17
    fshams

    fshams [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I like to add a 4 way flat connector to my OEM 7 way connector using the T-connector as described in the video described at the link below. I just can't figure out how to unplug the factory wiring from the back of the 7 way connector in order to add the T-connector... I already have a 7way to 4way plug adaptor, but I prefer to add a permanent plug-n-play 4way solution. Has anyone done this, and can advise me on how to do this?

    https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit...Tacoma/2012/118384.html?vehicleid=20121176459
     
  18. Feb 1, 2018 at 7:31 AM
    #18
    docbrown

    docbrown Well-Known Member

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    There are instructions in link you provided. Looks like you do not disconnect from the back of the 7 pin connector, but you follow the wires from the back of the 7 pin connector to a plug that you then disconnect and plug in the new wiring harness with the 7 pin and 4 pin connector. You might need some zip ties to finish the job and I would recommend getting the attachment bracket as well to make a clean install.
     

    Attached Files:

  19. Feb 8, 2018 at 9:07 AM
    #19
    fshams

    fshams [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So, I ended up installing these custom wiring from E-trailer instead. All plug-n-play and it only took 20-30 minutes to complete.
    I now have a 4 way flat connector I’ve plugged my rear light bar in, and tucked it away securely behind the bumper inside the frame. Very happy with the product. :) :thumbsup:

    B2B1500A-D6B9-4E41-8343-8129264AFE0B.jpg
    06C1C530-73E7-4B9F-BB52-DBBD3D8CEF92.jpg
    113E6426-2E30-482A-9071-F948C8202111.jpg
    6C4027BE-A513-4DFF-86F6-EFE0D61F0A9E.jpg
     
  20. Feb 8, 2018 at 9:33 AM
    #20
    Tacosail

    Tacosail Well-Known Member

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    That's sweet! Nice job.
     

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