7 way trailer plug / Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen

[Too tall]

Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen owners. Without sounding like a pitch for some infomercial lead in "do you experience looseness?"


The seven way trailer end (Hopkins) plug does not fit well into the truck plug-in. Brand new replacements fit the same, not great.



Tundra owners, talk to me about a standard fix eg not going the route of proprietary connections.


Grateful for your help.

[GCinSC2]

Check PM

[Mollysdad]

I'm not sure what the 3rd generation Tundra is, but my 7 way is loose also. I imagined that it was pushed forward and maybe wasn't mounted firmly, but that not it. It has plenty of wiggle room. I make sure the latch on the trailer plug is captured by the hook on the receptacle cover. A lot of people add Velcro or hair bands to secure it better. I haven't done that...yet. So far as long as I make sure it's as good as it's going to get, it stays connected.

[Mollysdad]

Let me add something.
I pin my 7 way cable to the coupler latch while underway.
Not only does it secure the coupler, but it centers the 7 way cable, so sharp turns don't put strain on the connectors causing them to pop out.

[azflycaster]

3rd generation to some is 2014+, but I think the 2022 will be the 3rd generation.

Either way, my 2016 Tundra has towed 80K+ miles with no problem with the connection.

[JPSpins]

A turn or two of electrical tape around the plug should resolve the problem.

[GammaDog]

I’m on my second Tundra. The first was a 2014. The current beast is a 2020. Both have had what sound’s like the issue you describe.

The 2014 would occasionally lose the left turn signal connection to the trailer. The issue was that the catch on the truck’s spring loaded dust cover door over the 7 way connection engaged the lug on the trailer’s 7 way umbilical in a way that caused it to tip out of alignment with the truck’s axis toward the passenger side which would disconnect the left turn signal connection. Does that sound like your issue?

It got dramatically worse with the 2020 since it has an integrated trailer brake controller and the electronics flash a “trailer disconnected” message if the looseness gets too significant.

Believe it or not, my solution has been to add a small wedge. I still check the connection at stops but it stays pretty tight and only occasionally disconnects the signal. The piece I used is a square rubber block about 1/2” square and 1/4” thick. It is a hardware item that is intended as a stick on foot for a countertop appliance or something. It goes between the door hinge and the retaining lug and between the door lid and the umbilical. It has the effect of keeping the umbilical end square to the truck so it doesn’t tip and disconnect.

We’re 5,700 miles out on this trip and I haven’t lost the first wedge yet. It’s working well enough that I have time to fix other issues (it’s always something).

Another option would be a wrap... maybe 6” or 8” of Velcro... around the door/umbilical joint. Same idea... keep the umbilical end from tipping to the right in response to the door’s catch locking the umbilical’s lug which is on that side.

[Gkiesel]

Originally Posted by JPSpins

A turn or two of electrical tape around the plug should resolve the problem.

What he said. Works great.

[Too tall]

Several good thoughts, esp. from Tundra owners.



There is a poor fit between the Trailer plug and Tundra receiver.


When able I'll drop into my local commercial trailer repair shop with trailer in tow. They have a metric ton of experience and I'll report back.


Odds on favorite will be replace the trailer plug to something that does not use the "V" wedge connections.


We shall see

[Drtrash]

Look up ez connection, uses magnets never coming off

[GeorgeR]

I have same issue with my 2019 Tundra. I secure the plug with a 12” velcro strap. Has worked well after 6,000 miles. The strap stays on the trailer plug so it’s always handy, and I carry a spare.

[Martee]

Towed 24,000 miles with no issues on my Tundra. That 7 pin trailer cable is loose fitting, but the Tundra spring loaded cap holds mine in very well, even on bad roads.
It's the least of my worries while towing.