[MrGrimm]

I am not the first to do this DIY but nobody else had made a DIY for this modification. The reason for this mod is because the trailer harness hangs down low on the rear of the bumper. Now if you start going up and down hills you might just rip this sucker off. I got lucky and just bent it a little. This mod took me about 30 minutes to complete.

Tools Needed:

Drill
13/64 Drill Bit
10mm Wrench/Socket
12mm Wrench/Socket
Dremel
Scissors
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Flat Head Screwdriver

Step 1: Remove the four nuts holding the 7-pin connector. The bottom two use 10mm and the top two use 12mm.

Step 2: Remove the plate that holds the connector to your tow bracket. Just slide it up. You may have to shimmy the plate back and forth to get it off.

Step 3: Remove the plastic piece that bends into the back of the 7-pin connector using a flat head screwdriver.

Step 4: You have to get your truck for this one. There is a plastic clip that holds the wires up under the truck. Carefully pull this out by pinching the opposite side of the plastic clip. You will be reusing this part. There is also a plastic ziptie that you can cut that holds wires as well. You can cut this part as you don’t need to reuse it.

Step 5: Now look at the clip that connects the wiring harness to the truck. Pinch at the points I have shown in the picture to remove it. Now you can pull the entire harness out and smile because you are half way there.

Step 6: Using a dremel you have to cut off the plastic parts I have shown in the pictures.

Step 7: Now move up to the outside of your bumper. Using a Phillips head screwdriver remove the screw that holds the license plate light on. With that off you can now slide the light to your right to remove it. Remove the light from the harness and tape up the end of that harness and tuck it back into the hole. Remove the orange clip that the screw was in.

Step 8: Now feed the end of your 7-pin harness through the hole and using a marker mark the area where you will be drilling your two holes to hold the 7-pin connector in place. Remove the harness and using a 13/64 drill bit drill the two holes.

Step 9: Now feed the end of the harness through the hole. Using the two 10mm bolts, bolt the harness onto the bumper. Now there will be a small gap at the top portion of your harness because the screws are at the bottom.

Step 10: Go back under the truck and connect the harness back up. Now sit back and drink a beer knowing you wont rip the trailer harness off when wheeling.

 

[cddallara]

I wish I had done that before I destroyed mine.

:thumbsup:

 

[clfx34]

I just bent the hell out of mine today on a snow and ice bank. I think I will definatly be doing this mod. Thanks!

 

[TucsonTRD]

nice write-up. i will be doing that very soon myself.

this definitely needs to be added to the DIY

 

[screeber]

Funny timing - I took mine apart last weekend getting ready to do the same thing. I'm going to keep the license illumination, and just drill another hole in the bumper.

Nice job with the write up :thumbup: Although you kind of glossed over that white clip that secures the harness. I fought with that thing for 30 minutes before I got it apart. Maybe I just failed an obvious intelligence test......

 

[barlowrs]

NICE writeup!

Curious though, is your plate still lit enough, or are cops gonna be harassing you?

 

[cddallara]

NICE writeup!

Curious though, is your plate still lit enough, or are cops gonna be harassing you?

Put a piece of black tape over one light, and check it out.:dunno:

My father had to spend a night in jail because he got pulled over for no license plate light, and sometime previously, one of his "friends" gave the cops my dad's name when he got busted. Dad had a warrant out, and didn't know it!

 

[MrGrimm]

i will take a look at how illuminated the plate is tonight.

 

[PiercedTiger]

Looks good! Damn sure it's easier that drilling a hole in the bumper! :lol:

 

[screeber]

Finished mine this afternoon - I went the "new hole route."

 

[lotust]

NICE writeup!

Curious though, is your plate still lit enough, or are cops gonna be harassing you?

barlowrs

I sent you a few PMs on that light bar. Check em out

 

[Pb]

Added to the DIY sticky.

 

[TucsonTRD]

I just did this myself. I had been wanting to do it for a while. thanks for the write-up.

it is tough to describe how to remove that plastic clip that hold the wire harness that screeber mentioned. i struggled with it for a few minutes before i shined a flashlight up there. thats when i saw two small arrows that showed me where to push to release the clip.

 

[tsl90]

Finished mine this afternoon - I went the "new hole route."

How big is the hole and what kind of bit did you use?

I love the look of this. Did you do anything to keep the new hole from rusting?

TL

 

[screeber]

How big is the hole and what kind of bit did you use?

I love the look of this. Did you do anything to keep the new hole from rusting?

TL

I used a 2 1/8" bi-metal hole saw. Plenty capable for cutting through the bumper. My drill on the other hand is shit (12V cordless DeWalt), but with an extra battery pack I managed to cut through it. If you have a corded drill you'd be set.

I lined all my drill holes with some clear silicone, and then put a small bead around the finished product for added protection.

And my gas mileage went up 1 mpg this weekend - must be the new mod

 

[DaleD]

And my gas mileage went up 1 mpg this weekend - must be the new mod

Liar Liar pants on fire...

 

[psujoe]

Wife broke 7-pin Connector Off My Baby - Help?

Hi. My wife backed my truck into an ice bank today at the grocery store and broke the 7-pin connector off from the monuting bracket. I called the dealer at they onlt want $250 bucks for the harness:sosad:. The connect still works so I'm not too upset, but I'd like to replace it and then relocate it . Has anyone found an after market 7-pin connector that will fit a 2005+ Tacoma?

Thanks in advance.

 

[happypappy]

Haven't checked specifically for one that will work with a Tacoma but the 7-pin connectors can be found at almost any Auto parts store and probably at any decent trailer supply store as well and for alot less!

 

[PiercedTiger]

Haven't checked specifically for one that will work with a Tacoma but the 7-pin connectors can be found at almost any Auto parts store and probably at any decent trailer supply store as well and for alot less!

+1 You're better off doing the relocation mod and pay $10 or so for a new 7-pin from Wal-Mart, Autozone, PepBoys, etc. That way you or her won't snap it off again. I think that was a stupid place to put it in first place...

 

[psujoe]

+1 You're better off doing the relocation mod and pay $10 or so for a new 7-pin from Wal-Mart, Autozone, PepBoys, etc. That way you or her won't snap it off again. I think that was a stupid place to put it in first place...

I plan to visit Walmart & my local Pep Boys next week. Even the parts guy at Toyota could not believe the price ($250) his dealership charges for the harness. I also plan to relocate the plug to the bumper. I am kicking myself in the butt for not having moved it sooner. IMHO Toyota should have placed the plug either in the bumper or in the hitch.