Brake Controller - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Brian1973 · 07-05-2024, 01:51 AM

Anyone use a brake controller with their 4Runner? I have two trailers with surge brakes but now have access to use a trailer that has electric brakes. From what I find on Amazon, control units are designed for 2003+ and I have a 2000 4R... Seems I will need the control unit, a pigtail to tie into wires under dash and then I suppose I will need a 7pin trailer connector at the rear... Ideas?

brillo_76 · 07-05-2024, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1973

Anyone use a brake controller with their 4Runner? I have two trailers with surge brakes but now have access to use a trailer that has electric brakes. From what I find on Amazon, control units are designed for 2003+ and I have a 2000 4R... Seems I will need the control unit, a pigtail to tie into wires under dash and then I suppose I will need a 7pin trailer connector at the rear... Ideas?

No, I have thought about it. You would have to run wires for Brake controller to work and goto a 7 pin trailer connector.. :-)

phattyduck · 07-05-2024, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1973

Seems I will need the control unit, a pigtail to tie into wires under dash and then I suppose I will need a 7pin trailer connector at the rear... Ideas?

Yes, you will need to get a 'universal' kit for the brake controller - there is no plug under the dash or any other pre-wiring for it. eTrailer has a bunch of options. You'll also want to be smart about how you mount the 7-pin connector.

You need to run beefy (10-gauge) wire from the battery to the controller and back to the 7-pin connector. Also consider if you want to run a charge wire too.

Up under the dash:

Remote control:

Pollack 4+7-pin (modern style):

Wiring off the battery (winch+ combined charge+brake wire to trailer):

-Charlie

brillo_76 · 07-06-2024, 01:41 PM

Glad to see a setup on a 3rd Gen. My 09 Tacoma had towing package built in. I just had to buy the brake controller for it completely plug and pray

Brian1973 · 07-07-2024, 12:16 PM

Phattyduck, what would you guess was your total cost in $$ and time (if you installed yourself)... familiar with Redarc, they build solid stuff....

phattyduck · 07-08-2024, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian1973

Phattyduck, what would you guess was your total cost in $$ and time (if you installed yourself)... familiar with Redarc, they build solid stuff....

Looks like my eTrailer order was a bit over $300. There's plenty of 'extra' cost in the nice jacketed wire and higher-end connectors in the rear, too. And don't forget the install time to make it all clean and safe...

-Charlie

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