Hitch wiring question

I am the new owner of a 2011 Tacoma TRD sport. Crew cab. A previous owner had a towing hitch but it was removed prior to my purchase.

I have owned 2 other tacos (1999 & 2002). I added a hitch to both and used T connectors for the plug wiring.

My question is this...under this truck I found an open plug up near the rear of the truck under the bed. Appears to be connected to the brake light wiring. Is this a plug that I can use to connect my trailer wiring? Is this a pre wired plug for a factory tow package? This truck is missing the manual and I can't find anything online that tells me what that open plug is for.

 

I have a 2011 Tacoma double cab, it does not have that option. However it may be a brake controller fittings. I installed my own trailer hitch wiring via through the brake lights. I bought from napa Auto Parts.

 

Ok. I thought that might be for trailer brakes from what I've read online. Just making sure before buying t connectors.

Thanks for the help!!

 

Does the plug have a white locking lever that rotates about 90 deg? If so, you can get harness P/N 82169-04010 to get a proper 7-pin trailer plug on your truck. Pretty expensive if you buy it new, though: https://www.google.com/search?q=82169-04010. VillageToyotaParts has it for $178: http://www.villagetoyotaparts.com/p...SPEED/WIRE-FRAME--NO3/2357520/8216904010.html

 

That could be it. I really just need a 4 pin for what I tow. im going with the T connection to the brake lights I guess. Was hoping since the previous owner had a hitch I would find some wiring under there I could use. But T connectors are pretty easy to install so no worries. Thanks for the help!

 

Those cheap t-connectors are not very good for towing. The problem is that a short in your trailer will take out your truck lights along with it. With the factory wiring (factory flat-4 plug will run around $100 for the entire "kit"), the trailer will all be on its own circuit and relays. That lets you put a bigger load on the trailer, and protects your truck's tail lights if the trailer shorts it out.

Is there a factory 2" receiver hitch on your truck? If there is, then you have the majority of the trailer wiring harness already, and would just need to add in a short and cheap extension to it.

Is the plug you found near the driver's side frame rail? Or is it closer to the center of the truck? There is a possibility that it could also be the backup camera wiring.

 

If you know a link where the correct plug in is located would be great. I cannot find any that says its for my make and model.

 

I can't really see *where* that plug is located because you're zoomed in so close. Is it just because its blurry (because of being zoomed in too close), or is there a pin bent over in there?