Redarc Tow Pro Elite on a '16 Opinions?

[el_kab0ng]

It's been suggested by a buddy of mine to consider installing the Redarc Tow Pro Elite so I can take advantage of my camper trailer's electric brakes. I've been watching a few installs of this unit and it seems relatively simple (although there's alot of panels you have to remove under the steering column).

Anyone have one of these things for a '16 and had anything but good luck with them? I'm trying to figure out what the catch is.

 

[JoshDub]

I just installed one on my 2020. Have not used it yet but install is a breeze. If you spend extra to get the toyota switch bezel, the wiring harness, and the mounting bracket install will take about 20 minutes.

 

[el_kab0ng]

I just installed one on my 2020. Have not used it yet but install is a breeze. If you spend extra to get the toyota switch bezel, the wiring harness, and the mounting bracket install will take about 20 minutes.

Did you have the tow package from Toyota or was this just a vanilla install?

 

[Humble Leader]

Did you have the tow package from Toyota or was this just a vanilla install?

all 4runners come with the tow package which is basically the hitch and the pre wired trailer brake connector plug

I installed a tow pro elite this summer and I haven't had to use it yet (I will in the future hopefully with a camper). overall I was pleased with the install. yes there was a lot of panel removal but get yourself a popper tool and some extra clips and you should be fine just in case. I highly suggest you get the toyota package redarc sells that has the harness and cutout for the dial. you can also get a bracket but I made my own since they were sold out.

the hardest part of the install for me was getting the wiring nice and tidy and tucked up out of the way of everything. If you are new to panel popping and mods this is a nice first mod. if you're a pro and know your way around under the dash this will be easy for you. also they have a youtube video that I followed which was excellent + their customer service is excellent as well

 

[el_kab0ng]

all 4runners come with the tow package which is basically the hitch and the pre wired trailer brake connector plug

I installed a tow pro elite this summer and I haven't had to use it yet (I will in the future hopefully with a camper). overall I was pleased with the install. yes there was a lot of panel removal but get yourself a popper tool and some extra clips and you should be fine just in case. I highly suggest you get the toyota package redarc sells that has the harness and cutout for the dial. you can also get a bracket but I made my own since they were sold out.

the hardest part of the install for me was getting the wiring nice and tidy and tucked up out of the way of everything. If you are new to panel popping and mods this is a nice first mod. if you're a pro and know your way around under the dash this will be easy for you. also they have a youtube video that I followed which was excellent + their customer service is excellent as well

Thanks for the insights! I'll order one this week and get it knocked out.

 

[Jetboy]

FWIW - for about the same $ you can buy a Curt Echo. Super easy to use. No install needed. And you can take with you to the next vehicle. I had a hard mount in my 4Runner (mine was a Tekonsha), but I would go with the Echo. I even use the Echo in my tundra because I think it works better than the OEM toyota brake controller that the truck came with.

Good luck.

 

[Humble Leader]

FWIW - for about the same $ you can buy a Curt Echo. Super easy to use. No install needed. And you can take with you to the next vehicle. I had a hard mount in my 4Runner (mine was a Tekonsha), but I would go with the Echo. I even use the Echo in my tundra because I think it works better than the OEM toyota brake controller that the truck came with.

Good luck.

does that not sit so low on the 4runner? the trailer plug is angled downward and then you have to plug the actual trailer plug into the echo. I feel like the trailer plug would sit really low to the ground. I don't know why toyota didn't better design that plug, at least make it horizontal like on pickup trucks, not angled downwards :brick:

 

[Jetboy]

does that not sit so low on the 4runner? the trailer plug is angled downward and then you have to plug the actual trailer plug into the echo. I feel like the trailer plug would sit really low to the ground. I don't know why toyota didn't better design that plug, at least make it horizontal like on pickup trucks, not angled downwards :brick:

It's not as big as it probably looks in the pictures. I don't think it hangs much below the spare tire. I did worry about it falling out although it never did. But I made sure to keep a strap around the cap that keeps it in place.

I agree the location is pretty odd for the plug. I have a 18" extension I kept in my bag of tools because some trailer cords don't reach that far. But there plus side is that it never got broken.

 

[4Reak Show]

Redarc is great. We use to sell the Echo at work but there was too many complaints of intermittent connectivity so we stopped selling them. A safety device is best to be hardwired in my opinion.

 

[BlakeA]

I did this install a couple of months ago in anticipation of receiving my new Hiker trailer in November. The install was easy, and the small knob that installs in the factory cutout is SO much nicer than the large knee knocker controller on my 1997 4runner!

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

Redarc is great. We use to sell the Echo at work but there was too many complaints of intermittent connectivity so we stopped selling them. A safety device is best to be hardwired in my opinion.

You would think the receiver part of the wireless unit would have some sort of memory to retain the last gain setting set up front.

Or are we talking about even the brake wire (signal) being wireless?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jetboy]

You would think the receiver part of the wireless unit would have some sort of memory to retain the last gain setting set up front.

Or are we talking about even the brake wire (signal) being wireless?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It does. If the phone disconnects it keeps the last settings. The software has trailer profiles you set for each trailer and then when you turn it on you choose the profile. Or you can adjust to whatever settings you want. And it just keeps the last setting whenever you lose phone connection or you unplug/turn off the vehicle. For the most part you can setup and then disconnect for the rest of the trip. They also have a wireless dash mount module if you want a manual switch to use mounted on the dash separate from the phone.

The biggest issue I've read about is that Ford 7 pins don't keep the 12+ pin hot all the time like everyone else. So for whatever reason the Fords cut the 12v pin power from time to time and then it won't work. Not sure what the logic is for Ford doing that, but there's a list of model years that are not compatible with Ford vehicles. My guess is that it's where most of the issues are from.

Otherwise there's no reason why it would be less reliable than the same parts being in the dash vs in the plug. It's the same stuff doing the same things. Just in a different spot.

 

[JoshDub]

Did you have the tow package from Toyota or was this just a vanilla install?

All 4runners have a factory tow package consisting of a receiver, a trailer harness hookup, and a plug for a trailer brake controller

 

[fourrunnerbill]

Perfect plug-play install on my 2016 TE. I love that small dial that goes into one of the blank inserts.