Where to tap in for Trailer Lights?

I have found the correct hitch to install on my ‘09 Base model 2whl Tacoma. The next issue will be the electrics. I am not strange to wiring, but do not see any help from Toyota in this regard.
I find it odd there is no provision from the factory for addition of trailer lights wiring. Am I missing something here? Of course the lights need to be in parallel with existing wires. At the moment the only method I see for the job is cut wires and splice in the 2nd circuit. Hate to disturb the factory wires with Cave-Man work if not necessary. So far tracking the harness forward up to the cab shows no help to get into the system. So am I missing the obvious? Is there a “best” place to tap in?

 

Harness doesn’t need to connect to both tail light assemblies? Thought it did so both turn signals work on the trailer lights.

 

Toyota requires a control module and it plugs into one side only.
I'm looking for the correct one and will post the link.

 

@whttaco2whl
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit...Tacoma/2009/118496.html?VehicleID=20091176461

 

That one has sets of pigtails for both sides...you don’t need both? Honest question, I once troubleshot an issue with my stock trailer wiring (I have the tow package) and wondered what would be required if I had to replace the harness.

 

@whttaco2whl
http://www.suspensionconnection.com...ing-kit.html?gclid=CJXB8qOgirkCFYuk4AodU3cAcg

 

The connector under drivers side taillights carries wiring and pins for both sides which plugs into a ponytail split. One plug is for left, one for right. Eliminating the need for 2 harnesses running from cab.
Passenger side runs from drivers side.

and

 

See where that harness comes up from below the bed, to the left tail lamp? Follow it down, under the bed. Look for a connector not plugged into anything, maybe even taped up in the harness. IF the truck was wired for trailer lights from the factory, that 8-pin connector (that the factory 7-pin round trailer connector plugs into) should be right around there.

I don't know if the 5-lug trucks were ever offered with a tow package, so I don't know if Toyota pre-wired them that way. I'll see if I can dig up a connector view, but in the meantime go see if it's there.

 

Here's what it looks like, if your truck was pre-wired for trailer lights (and it might've been, even w/o the trailer tow package). Connector BE1, located under left rear corner of the bed, follow the harness where it crosses over from driver to passenger side. Special thanks to @Sandman614 for this picture.

 

Do not, I repeat, do not, use that harness! All it will lead to is problems down the road. The black box labeled U Haul is a converter that allows you to have red stop, tail lights with separate amber turn signals on the tow vehicle and a single red turn/stop/tail light on the trailer. That converter box will fail in a year or so. Fortunately, the Scotch Locks to splice into the factory wiring harness won't even last that long. Of course your factory harness will now be junk ...

Trust me, do it the correct (factory) way and be done with it.

 

What is the factory way on a 2022 sr w/o tow package I can’t find any oem harness to install under there. I do see a unused plug where the harness goes from the drivers taillight to the passenger side.

 

No idea.
You’d probably have better luck asking over in the 3rd gen section.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/3rd-gen-tacomas-2016.186/

I could post pics of where it is on a 2nd Gen, but that wouldn’t help you.

 

You will need a converter box.
Unless they changed something on the 22's this should be what you need, you can contact Hopkins to be sure.
https://hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/vehicle-wiring-kits/vehicle-specific/43354.html

 

Thanks been scouring the forum for information

 

Seems to be the right one according to E-Trailer.
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit...acoma/2022/HM43354.html?VehicleID=20225001905

 

I was really hoping for a OEM solution. I like the factory look with the 7 way and 4 way connectors in the bumper. I don’t want wires hanging under the truck.

 

5 lug by any chance?

There was no tow package option for 5 lugs, so no unused harness bit.

If you have a 6 lug, I suspect the easiest way is to examine a model with the tow package and see where the trailer plug leads back to in the harness.

 

Unless you truck happens to be prewired for a tow plug your only option is a converter box as far as I know, the truck light's can not be tapped without a converter box because they are electronically controlled and the circuits can't handle the extra load of trailer lights.
You could check and see if the towing fuse and relay slots are populated, if they are you are probably prewired, if they aren't then it's likely not prewired.
Here's the diagram for a 21 with a towing plug, I can't find any info on one without the plug.

 

Since the original question is about a 22’ can I ask about my 09. Stock Tacoma crew cab 4x4 V6. No original tow package/ unknown. I have the tow hitch and (2 wiring harness)
from rock auto they messed up from curt with the converter box. I also found the unused/ capped plug under the passenger side bumper. What is the best way to go here? Use the curt wiring harness or do I need to buy a different wiring harness?

 

Like I told @Poison_Dart_ you could look and see if the towing fuses and relay slots are populated, on your 09 connector BE1 looks to be the one the OE trailer plug would plug into.
If that's the blank connector your seeing under there you could easily check it with a test light and see if it has power there.