has anyone installed a brake controller in their 4runner? Where abouts did you put it if so

I didn't "install" mine. I had a long cable put on. When I need it, which is not often, I open the bin door at the foot of the console, put the controller in the gap between door and console, and route the cable over the steeing wheel to the connector under the dash by the parking brake. If you do a search of this site, you should find at least one example of an actual permanent mounting. I need all the knee room I can get, so I didn't put in under the dash as I would normally do.

Mr. Clark:

I installed a Jordan Ultima in my 4Runner, it is compact in size, can be removed easily and is a proportional braking device, works also in reverse. I installed it on the right side of the lower dash. I will try to take a photo tomorrow.

I recommend the Jordan, very simple to install.

Let me know if you need further information.

A picture would be great, I did a search and didnt find any threads about an install to be honest. I already bought a prodigy, which are supposed to be very good as well.

OK, I'm a dork. What's the purpose of this? Is it mainly for off-roading purposes?

It's a brake controller for a trailer with electric brakes. They provide an electrical signal that varies with what the controller decides is how hard you are trying to brake the vehicle. There's also a manual lever so you can apply trailer brakes without applying vehicle brakes.

The other type of trailer brakes are surge brakes and these are a purely mechanical system where a cylinder attached to the trailer tongue provides hydraulic pressure when the trailer pushes forward on the vehicle.

Electric brakes can be easily retro-fitted; surge brakes are much harder to add.

Check out Jordanbrake.com. It shows a photo and specs on the controller. Jordan is in Florida, but you can buy directly from him or from several dealers across Canada. CanAM RV in Ontario comes to mind. Jordan has a toll-free number that also works in Canada. Prodigy is also a great controller, but I am very pleased with the Jordan, having it installed in two vehicles.

I will post a photo later.

SteveM,

Thanks for explaining that for me.

July

I need to install a brake-controller as well, very soon. I was told by a "sometimes-reliable" source that Toyota has an OEM brake controller, and that the vehicle is pre-wired for it (but I think this time he's full of crap). Anyway, I too am curious as to what the best, tightest-fitting controlling unit would be for the 4R. Photos would be extremely helpful!

I installed a Prodigy in mine shortly after I bought the Runner. I mounted it to the left of the steering column just under the access door to the fuse panel. I used the plastic holder so I can remove the controller if I want to. I spliced the OEM brake controller cable to the cable that came with the prodigy. I ran the wires straight forward around the parking brake pedal and back to the connector on the sidewall. If you choose to run the wires the same as I did make the wires at least 18-20 inches long. This will allow you to pull the controller from the mounting and unplug it with out cutting any tye wraps. Tekonsha makes or at least their web site lists a cable harness to plug the prodigy directly in to the connector in the Runner. I have yet to find a dealer anywhere that carries the harness for the Toyotas.
I don't have any pics of the installation, sorry.

I have posted two shots of the Jordan controller installed on my 04 unit. I have placed my foot on the brake pedal to indicate the LED display.

My 4Runer came with the factory wiring harness in the glove box and I simply spliced the required wires to it, plugged it in and that was it - about 30 minutes total, including the bracket on the brake pedal

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Second shot

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Just finished my prodigy, I put my on the fusebox door. If i sell or trade it in i can replace the fusebox door prior.

http://64.26.171.210/hitch/9.jpg

http://64.26.171.210/hitch/8.jpg

Took 30 minutes or so, buried all the wiring up under the pedals with tie wraps.

I put the brake controller in the middle, under the steering column, to stay out of the way of my knees. It is also attached via velcro so it can be removed when not in use. The velco also allows it to be very compact since there is no bracket involved. It is connected to the quick connect that is installed in all 03/04 4Runners.