Wiring lights for when I tow my Tacoma behind my RV

I tow my Tacoma behind my RV and have always just put add-on lights on it when I'm towing it. It would be easier if I could just tap into the trucks lights and use those. Can I just make a wire set that has a 4-prong plug on both ends, and plug one end into the RV and the other end into the back of my truck. I know the plug on my truck is designed to send power out to the lights on something towed behind my truck, but can it also be used to send power in to power the lights on the truck?

Or do I need to buy this instead?
https://hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/dinghy-towing/universal-splice-in-diodes/55999.html

 

I'd run a separate wire harness like on a trailer. The final tap in would be at the tail light harness of the Tacoma.

Shouldn't need to be complex.

 

Agreed.

You'd just need something like this and a few quick splices to tap into the existing truck lights.

Hardest part is just routing the wires. Voltage from the RV should be plenty to power the lights.

 

Maybe I'm being overly cautious, Most newer vehicles, the lights are controlled by an ECU and not standard relays. Simply splicing into these circuits would back-feed the ECU with a completely different power supply. Personally I don't think that would be a good idea. Or it may be perfectly fine. IDK?

 

Are you flat towing or will it be on a dolly?

 

Simple diodes on the truck side of the circuit would prevent any back feed to the truck's ECU.

This isn't complex wiring. A bit of splicing, couple connectors, solder, shrink wrap.....

Wiring diagrams for the taillights on a 2000 Tacoma are available.

 

Flat tow. Done it for years, just trying to make the lights simpler.

 

So you are saying I should get this kit: https://hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/dinghy-towing/universal-splice-in-diodes/55999.html rather than just plug it into the plug on my trucks hitch?

 

No

 

He's talking about adding diodes to each wire and splicing in a standard trailer harness. Not a big deal if your slightly handy with wiring. I would prefer the kit you posted. It may contain the diodes already? Or it may create an air gap. I would prefer the air gap. But either way------

 

Yeah, that's what's in that little black box I believe.

I didn't see a prices on that kit from the OP, but I really like E-trailer, they seem to usually have good prices and good stuff.

 

$50 Hopkins Towing Solutions 55999 Universal Towed Vehicle Wiring Kit

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-55999-Universal-Vehicle-Wiring/dp/B00D2QKZR2
I guess I should just get that kit and follow it's instructions.

 

For ~$50, that's really not too bad of a deal. You'd probably spend just as much, maybe more making a custom one, because you end up having to buy 10 packs of everything and all you need is one.

 

Here's what I have done with my 2 last toads. I drill hole in tail light housings to install a socket with an additional bulb. The wires run up to the front of toad to a plug. This is nice and clean, no splicing into truck wiring.

 

Yeah this is what I was about to recommend, and this is what I would do if it were my truck. Simply add a new bulb in seperate from any of the trucks wiring.

This is how cop cars and utility trucks with headlight or tail light flashers work, they add an independent bulb to the reflector housings.

 

Slightly off-topic, but when you say you tow it behind the RV, do you dinghy tow it (as in all 4 wheels on the ground), and if so, how? I've heard it's not possible/not safe for the truck.

Edit: nevermind my stupidity, read up and saw you flat tow. 2nd part is right though, how are you able to do this? Do you disconnect driveshafts or what? I'm interested in flat towing mine in a few months and there seems to be really mixed opinions about it.

 

That's a great idea. Are these the sockets you used? https://www.blueox.com/towing-accessories/bx88184/ I can only find them in a 10-pack, any idea where I can find just two for sale? Could I also use these to move the turn signal lights on the front of my truck from the bumper up to the housing next to the headlights?

I just put the transmission in neutral, transfer case in 2hi, and unlock the steering wheel. Works just fine. I know Toyota says not to, but I think that is just to cover their ass. I have towed it thousands of miles over the last 15 years, never had a problem.

 

That's awesome, I'll definitely have to consider it as a possibility now. Thank you for that!

 

Here are the sockets I used from Napa. I think they are about $7 bucks

 

Awesome, thanks a bunch.