Electric Brake Controller? Best on for 2023 T4R?

[Ruby Khan]

Hi,
We want to try towing a small camp trailer. Despite it weighing less than 2000lbs, it has electric brakes, and I would like to make use of them.

I don't know anything about this stuff. After a few searches, I saw that several products are on the market.

I would like to install one that works very well and doesn't look like it's just been zip-tied to the steering column.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

 

[ArthurKotb]

Did you get the towing package, or is it standard on your model?

I ask because gen 4 models have a connector in the left kick panel for a brake controller. It's just plug 'n play. I had to attach the holder under the dashboard, not another place to put it and it was recommended by the controller.

I use a well known and recommended Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Controller.
TEKONSHA (They have fit guides and video support)

The operation is pretty simple.

When the controller is set up, when you start the car the display will show "nc" if there is no trailer connection or "c" if there is. When you step on the brake, with trailer connected, the display will show you a number that corresponds to the amount of pressure being applied.

You get everything hooked up and then set the controller (scroll wheel) to a midpoint number. Drive with the trailer, preferably on a gravel road but any low traffic road will do. Apply the brakes and see how the trailer responds. If it's squealing tires / spitting gravel you want to go to a lower number. If it doesn't seem to be working go to a higher number.

The Tekonsha has a lever on the bottom for a temporary increase. You can move the lever with your thumb to apply more braking pressure without changing your default setting.

When I'm not using my P2 I just disconnect the plug and remove it from its holder. I keep it in the center console.

 

[Ruby Khan]

Hi,
Thanks for sharing info.

I should have stipulated that the 4 Runner is a 2023 TRD Off Road Premium. My impression is that there was no specific tow package, but It has a wired 7 pin connector and a 2" receiver that were included in that particular model trim.

I'll go read about your suggestion.

Thank you.

 

[ArthurKotb]

Check in the driver-side kick plate for that connector. The towing package is probably standard by now. It should have always been standard.

I believe it's a flat 4 pin connector, tucked just below the top of the kick plate. You shouldn't have to remove anything.

 

[fkheath]

Hi,
Thanks for sharing info.

I should have stipulated that the 4 Runner is a 2023 TRD Off Road Premium. My impression is that there was no specific tow package, but It has a wired 7 pin connector and a 2" receiver that were included in that particular model trim.

I'll go read about your suggestion.

Thank you.

All 4Runners, all trim levels, come for the last few years with:
1. 2" tow hitch receiver.
2. Both a 4 flat and 7 pin trailer wire connector
3. AND "Trailer Brake Jumper Harness Wire Connections" adapter for a brake controller, part number 82132-600110. You should find this brake controller wire harness in the glove box.

My '18 4Runner SR5 came with all that, standard, not an "option".

All you need do is buy a brake controller of your liking, wire it to the supplied wire harness, and plug it in.

 

[Humble Leader]

redarc tow pro or tow pro elite. plug and play and has the cutout for OEM dash blank. very discreet and looks factory

 

[hoppyjr]

redarc tow pro or two pro elite. plug and play and has the cutout for OEM dash blank. very discreet and looks factory

^ This.


The Redarc is all you need. The Toyota specific switch blank is extra, but the switch is included. No cutting or splicing required and there are easy how-to videos on YouTube.

I started with my switch on the left side switch blank, but needed to use that space for other switches, so I moved the brake controller switch to under the stop/start button.

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller - EBRH-ACCV3-NA


Switch Insert Panel for Toyota... Amazon.com

 

[hoppyjr]

Edit: double post

 

[hoppyjr]

redarc tow pro or two pro elite. plug and play and has the cutout for OEM dash blank. very discreet and looks factory

^ This.


The Redarc is all you need. The Toyota specific switch blank is extra, but the switch is included. No cutting or splicing required and there are easy how-to videos on YouTube.

I started with my switch on the left side switch blank, but needed to use that space for other switches, so I moved the brake controller switch to under the stop/start button.

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller - EBRH-ACCV3-NA


Switch Insert Panel for Toyota... Amazon.com

 

[ArthurKotb]

All 4Runners, all trim levels, come for the last few years with:
1. 2" tow hitch receiver.
2. Both a 4 flat and 7 pin trailer wire connector
3. AND "Trailer Brake Jumper Harness Wire Connections" adapter for a brake controller, part number 82132-600110. You should find this brake controller wire harness in the glove box.

My '18 4Runner SR5 came with all that, standard, not an "option".

All you need do is buy a brake controller of your liking, wire it to the supplied wire harness, and plug it in.

My 2004 came with all that except the 4 flat connector, but the towing package was an option. I see now, as I suspected, that the tow package is standard.

The brake jumper harness is to use in case the connector in the driver's kick panel doesn't fit the brake controller you purchase. You can modify the connector with the jumper harness. The Prodigy P2 I bought worked with the connector so all I had to do was put 2 screws under the dash for the P2 holder. The P2 and P3 are excellent controllers. I pull a 6,500 lb. Airstream with my T4R and the controller is easy to use. I just take it out of the console, plug it in to the connector and head down the road.

 

[Ruby Khan]

All 4Runners, all trim levels, come for the last few years with:
1. 2" tow hitch receiver.
2. Both a 4 flat and 7 pin trailer wire connector
3. AND "Trailer Brake Jumper Harness Wire Connections" adapter for a brake controller, part number 82132-600110. You should find this brake controller wire harness in the glove box.

Hi Thank you.

I found the wiring harness right where you said it should be.

 

[ArthurKotb]

That Redarc controller looks really nice. If it's performance matches it looks then that would be the way to go. I got my Prodigy back in 2014, based on reviews on the Airstream forum. I'm towing pretty close to the maximum and I didn't want that to come into me for an emergency stop.

 

[Ruby Khan]

Check in the driver-side kick plate for that connector. The towing package is probably standard by now. It should have always been standard.

I believe it's a flat 4 pin connector, tucked just below the top of the kick plate. You shouldn't have to remove anything.

Thank you.

 

[Ruby Khan]

Thanks, everyone.

I am going to try the Redarc Elite. It seems like they have it all figured out.

Thank you!

 

[Ruby Khan]

Posting these tutorial videos so I can find them later:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=32SYgiFShnaDIlR8&v=vKiCqg07AGs&feature=youtu.be


https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=GbccYmKhf3krFm6n&v=TnmbyLFmLgs&feature=youtu.be

 

[gordonp]

Another vote for Redarc Tow Pro Elite, mounted in the former Party Mode location (where is is handy to access, yet not be knee-bumped). I filled my lettering with white latex paint.

 

[fourrunnerbill]

^ This.


The Redarc is all you need. The Toyota specific switch blank is extra, but the switch is included. No cutting or splicing required and there are easy how-to videos on YouTube.

I started with my switch on the left side switch blank, but needed to use that space for other switches, so I moved the brake controller switch to under the stop/start button.

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller - EBRH-ACCV3-NA


Switch Insert Panel for Toyota... Amazon.com

I also used this Redarc and was so happy with the performance and clean looking knob on the factory insert. The Best!

 

[YT-1300]

Another vote for the Redarc.

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