Electric trailer brake controller help
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davefisher
New member
I agree.... having the trailer brakes is a nice piece of mind. Really depends on how far you are driving and what terrain. If you're driving in the mountains, the last thing you want is a 3,500lb bowling ball behind you with no way to stop it but your vehicle brakes. 3gen before 2002 had rear drums too, if I'm correct.
I was curious and just checked my 03 manual.... it says anything over 1,000lb should use a controller. Geeze, that's like an empty 5x8 garden trailer. (almost
)
Anyway, glad you got them. I'm sorry I can't lend any help with the wiring. The 3gen came with the 4/5-pin flat wiring - which is good for parking, left turn, right turn, and stop lights... and a ground. You'll need to run 7-pin round to use electric brakes. You might get those on something like www.brakecontroller.com or a local hitch shop. They should be able to sell you all the wiring that you need for a 7pin round if they are able to install class3/4 hitches on vehicles.
I was curious and just checked my 03 manual.... it says anything over 1,000lb should use a controller. Geeze, that's like an empty 5x8 garden trailer. (almost
)Anyway, glad you got them. I'm sorry I can't lend any help with the wiring. The 3gen came with the 4/5-pin flat wiring - which is good for parking, left turn, right turn, and stop lights... and a ground. You'll need to run 7-pin round to use electric brakes. You might get those on something like www.brakecontroller.com or a local hitch shop. They should be able to sell you all the wiring that you need for a 7pin round if they are able to install class3/4 hitches on vehicles.
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Brake controller/towing report!!
I finished the installation of my Tekonsha PRODIGY Brake Controller and completed my first tow with the new trailer.
I can't say enough good things about the Tekonsha PRODIGY Brake Controller. I read great reviews online but all say is WOW! It works perfectly in all conditions, allows you to "boost" braking when towing a heavy load, and even works in reverse.
I was towing a very large trailer (by 4Runner standards) that actually dwarfed the truck. It is an enclosed car carrier 8.5' wide, 18' long and over 7 feet tall. Surprisingly the trailer tracked very well, even when getting passed by large semi's. Stopping was incredible with the PRODIGY Controller and brakes on both trailer axles. I literally couldn't tell the trailer was there when braking, and it felt like it might might actually have improved the stock stopping distance a little. The poor little 3.4 was really working on the hills though, frequently dropping down to second gear. On the 150 mile trip, I estimate my towing gas mileage was about 12/13 mpg. Ouch!
Next stop for the T4R is new Tokico Trek Master shocks and struts all around, and Air Lift Air Springs in the rear. I'll report back after I get those installed.
Thanks to all!
I finished the installation of my Tekonsha PRODIGY Brake Controller and completed my first tow with the new trailer.
I can't say enough good things about the Tekonsha PRODIGY Brake Controller. I read great reviews online but all say is WOW! It works perfectly in all conditions, allows you to "boost" braking when towing a heavy load, and even works in reverse.
I was towing a very large trailer (by 4Runner standards) that actually dwarfed the truck. It is an enclosed car carrier 8.5' wide, 18' long and over 7 feet tall. Surprisingly the trailer tracked very well, even when getting passed by large semi's. Stopping was incredible with the PRODIGY Controller and brakes on both trailer axles. I literally couldn't tell the trailer was there when braking, and it felt like it might might actually have improved the stock stopping distance a little. The poor little 3.4 was really working on the hills though, frequently dropping down to second gear. On the 150 mile trip, I estimate my towing gas mileage was about 12/13 mpg. Ouch!
Next stop for the T4R is new Tokico Trek Master shocks and struts all around, and Air Lift Air Springs in the rear. I'll report back after I get those installed.
Thanks to all!
air bags
Glad it worked out for you. I know what you mean about getting passed by semis.
I installed the airlift air bags in the rear, and has helped significantly by preventing that severe back end drop when attaching the towed vehicle.
Only other modification is the installation of the transmission cooler to keep the tranny cool when towing.
Glad it worked out for you. I know what you mean about getting passed by semis.
I installed the airlift air bags in the rear, and has helped significantly by preventing that severe back end drop when attaching the towed vehicle.
Only other modification is the installation of the transmission cooler to keep the tranny cool when towing.
Trailer Brake Controller Install - 3rd Generation
I installed a Hopkins today to get ready for my new '69 Airstream I'll be pulling home this week. Well it took a bit longer than I had hoped, however it beat the $300 alternative quoted by my local hitch guy. Went to harbor freight, picked up a proportional unit for $55, got the wiring kit which came with a fuse, 3 rolls of wire, and different connectors and a couple other things. The best thread I could find was here
Brake Controller & 7-pin trailer Install 3rd Gen 4Runner - YotaTech Forums
My issue was he didn't quite explain it like I had hoped. I like details sometimes..
A few pointers in addition to the link above.
1-The black wire he runs to the rear 4runner needs to be a home run (meaning one wire) from the positive side of the battery to where it will connect to the black wire on the trailer receiver.
2- The blue wire will go from the brake controller straight back to the blue of the trailer receiver.
3- The green wire with the white strip I found underneath the dash by laying on my back and following where the brake sends it info. By this I mean look at the brake peddle and you'll see a wire clip with 4 wires. One of them is a green wire with a white stripe. This I used a snap connector to attach to the red brake wire coming off of the brake controller unit.
4- My 2001 4runner has the factory tow package. I did not follow his wiring when he changed colors, i.e. brown to green, red to yellow, but I kept mine the same as the receiver harness. If you look at his photos where it shows the 7 wires connected you may see what I mean.
I hope this helps those who are looking to install in a 3rd generation. It really wasn't too bad. A 4 beer job.
I installed a Hopkins today to get ready for my new '69 Airstream I'll be pulling home this week. Well it took a bit longer than I had hoped, however it beat the $300 alternative quoted by my local hitch guy. Went to harbor freight, picked up a proportional unit for $55, got the wiring kit which came with a fuse, 3 rolls of wire, and different connectors and a couple other things. The best thread I could find was here
Brake Controller & 7-pin trailer Install 3rd Gen 4Runner - YotaTech Forums
My issue was he didn't quite explain it like I had hoped. I like details sometimes..
A few pointers in addition to the link above.
1-The black wire he runs to the rear 4runner needs to be a home run (meaning one wire) from the positive side of the battery to where it will connect to the black wire on the trailer receiver.
2- The blue wire will go from the brake controller straight back to the blue of the trailer receiver.
3- The green wire with the white strip I found underneath the dash by laying on my back and following where the brake sends it info. By this I mean look at the brake peddle and you'll see a wire clip with 4 wires. One of them is a green wire with a white stripe. This I used a snap connector to attach to the red brake wire coming off of the brake controller unit.
4- My 2001 4runner has the factory tow package. I did not follow his wiring when he changed colors, i.e. brown to green, red to yellow, but I kept mine the same as the receiver harness. If you look at his photos where it shows the 7 wires connected you may see what I mean.
I hope this helps those who are looking to install in a 3rd generation. It really wasn't too bad. A 4 beer job.
thinkCooper
New member
Thanks for the details. I'm digging into a Prodigy P3 install tomorrow, along with an airlift air bag slip in. I've already swapped out the front brakes for Tundra caliper/discs/pads. We've got a 2000 5 speed manual SR5, so no need for a tranny cooler. We'll be towing an R-Pod in Utah. Installation scheduled for tomorrow. Do or die.
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thinkCooper
New member
I am going to be installing a brake controller on my 98 and I found these videos on YouTube for a 99. Maybe they will be of use to others. I haven't done it yet so not sure if this is the best method as he runs the wire thru the frame. I think there is parts 1-3.
If anyone else has any suggestions for me please respond.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bslsV-7VyE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLyYI1UsGoI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DylfuKRc8aQ
Thanks, Ranchdog
If anyone else has any suggestions for me please respond.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bslsV-7VyE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLyYI1UsGoI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DylfuKRc8aQ
Thanks, Ranchdog
Rocky5000100
New member
I used those videos as reference when installing my Prodigy P2 controller.
