Wiring: converting non-tow '05 Taco to tow

[AZRickD]

Howdy,

I just bought a 2005 Tacoma D-Cab TRD Sport which doesn't have the tow package. I have installed the Class III and am now trying to find a plug-in wiring extension. There apparently are no after-market pigtails for the '05 (and Toyota wants $150 for theirs). I just bought a hard-wire kit from Quality Bumber here in Phoenix and will use my well-honed ham radio skills to avoid mucking things up.

Before I commense to soldering and splicing, is there a reasonably priced after-market wiring harness extension?

If I go with what I have, any suggestions?

BTW, I purchased the truck from a Toyota chassis and suspension R&D who works at the proving ground NW of Phoenix.

Thanks,

Rick
Phx, Az

[AZRickD]

I spoke to the gents at www.aztrucks.com who said there is still no aftermarket unit on their catalog but they could make me up a suitable pigtail in their shop for about $50. Actually, all I would need them to do is put the proper connector on the bare-wired unit I bought from Quality Bumber...

Since Toyota's pigtail extension is only a few feet long, that means that the portion of the wiring harness that it plugs into is right by the rear bumper. Danged if I can find it. Does anyone know where that plug is hidden?

I'll give the local Toyo service department a call to see if they can point me in the right direction.

Rick

[AZRickD]

There I was, looking for a visor pouch for the Taco when I stumbled upon a display full of trailer wiring conversion kits from "Hoppy" http://www.trailerwiring.com/

It is a plug-in design that appears to insert itself between the plugs that supply power to the tail lights and the lights themselves. Fairly elegant solution. I wondered if they would have a model for my 05 Taco. Nope. Only goes up to 2004.

I tried the web site and they only go up to '04 Tacos as well and the only '05 product in that category is for the Highlander.

I'll have to send an e-mail to them to see if I can scare up some solutions.

Rick

[nhparrot]

If you are interested in what the Toyota install entails see (2005 - ) Tacoma Trailer Wire Harness 08921-0496

[AZRickD]

Thanks for the .pdf files.

I think I'll go cry now.

Rick

[harderhandyman]

www.hitchfinder.com is where I got mine. They call it a t-one connector that plugs in between the taillights. It sells for $30. Works great on mine.

Originally Posted by AZRickD

Howdy,

I just bought a 2005 Tacoma D-Cab TRD Sport which doesn't have the tow package. I have installed the Class III and am now trying to find a plug-in wiring extension. There apparently are no after-market pigtails for the '05 (and Toyota wants $150 for theirs). I just bought a hard-wire kit from Quality Bumber here in Phoenix and will use my well-honed ham radio skills to avoid mucking things up.

Before I commense to soldering and splicing, is there a reasonably priced after-market wiring harness extension?

If I go with what I have, any suggestions?

BTW, I purchased the truck from a Toyota chassis and suspension R&D who works at the proving ground NW of Phoenix.

Thanks,

Rick
Phx, Az

[AZRickD]

Originally Posted by harderhandyman

www.hitchfinder.com is where I got mine. They call it a t-one connector that plugs in between the taillights. It sells for $30. Works great on mine.

Are you sure it is the "T-One"?

http://www.hitchfinder.com/wiring_adapters.htm#T-One

This one looks like an adapter which converts flat plugs to a round plug. It doesn't mention plugging in between the wiring harness and tail lights. Is this a web site error?

I attempted to e-mail them but the address bounced.

Uh-oh... I found it at eTrailer. $38, but they have it. And man is it purty.

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...egory_Code=VWH

Rick

[AZRickD]

I installed the T-One last nite.

Did both sides in 20 minutes. Hooked it up to the trailer and everything functioned properly.

Good stuff. Looks as if it could have been OEM.

Much better than spending $160 for the Toyota towing pigtail.

Rick