Installing a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller on 2016 Toyota Tacoma without Tow Package

Question:

Hello. I want to install this item on my 2016 Tacoma. I have not yet found the connection in the rear that will fit this but am determined to rewire as necessary to make it work. The truck has a horrible cap where this item should have been if it came with a tow package. Sadly it did not. I am trying to keep a OEM look. I was told by Hopkins manufacturing that 40975 would work with 40985 wiring, but do not know wire color differences on my vehicle and do not know if I have a power wire for a brake controller. Thanks.

asked by: Carlos

Expert Reply:

You can use trailer connector # HM40975 with wiring harness # HM40985 but it will require some hardwiring to install it in your 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

The first thing you will need to do is install a 4-Way connector on the truck. This is because the truck has turn signals that are on a separate bulb from the brake lights. A converter is needed to combine the signals which is what a trailer uses.

To add a 4-Way and converter I recommend # 119178KIT because it has proven to be reliable. I have linked a video showing installation for you.

After it is installed, you will have to cut off the 4-Way end to wire it to the HM40985 harness. When making these connections green will go to green, yellow goes to yellow, white goes to white, and brown goes to brown. That will leave a blue, red, and purple wires on harness HM40985.

Since your truck did not come with a tow package the brake controller and remaining wiring from harness HM40985 will have to be hardwired manually. For this I recommend kit # 5506 which comes with wiring, circuit breakers, and additional parts you will need.

On the wiring harness the blue wire will connect to a brake controller blue wire. The red wire will go to the positive side of the battery via the 40-amp breaker in kit 5506. The purple wire will tap into a reverse light wire behind one of the taillights on the truck. If the trailer does not need a 12-volt circuit or reverse lights, you do not have to connect these wires.

For the brake controller we covered the blue wire. The white wire is ground and needs to connect to the negative battery terminal. The black wire is 12-volt power into the controller and connects to the positive battery terminal via the 30-amp circuit breaker included with # 5506.

That just leaves the brake controller red wire. It will connect to the cold side of the brake switch. To find the right brake switch wire use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the wires. You need the one that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed. If it has power at any other time such as with the head lights or turn signals on it is not the correct wire.

For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it's easy to set up and use and its reliable. I have included some links that will be helpful for this installation.