Trailer Brake Controller

[BobsTrail]

I'm ready for a trailer brake controller and was planning to get a Tekonsha P2 or P3 after viewing a number of posts, all positive about it.

Then I saw a few posts for the Redarc TowPro and it looks like a much easier and cleaner installation.

Anyone have any info to share about the Redarc?

 

[greatape]

I'm ready for a trailer brake controller and was planning to get a Tekonsha P2 or P3 after viewing a number of posts, all positive about it.

Then I saw a few posts for the Redarc TowPro and it looks like a much easier and cleaner installation.

Anyone have any info to share about the Redarc?

Hi Bob,

Sure you'd be pleased with both options.

I recently installed a redarc towpro elite and the install is easy. I used the factory pigtail harness, however I'm going to switch to the Tekonsha harness this week as I believe I have a ground issue with the factory harness.

Also, depending on the switch location, you may need to file or Dremel out the opening for the switch panel/plug to seat in, easy none the less.

Wish I could provide more on operations but the dual modes are going to be nice...

 

[greatape]

Update: troubleshot the suspected return issue I believe I was having with the factory pigtail. Buttspliced the Tekonsha 3041-P harness and grounded the redarc
harness common(white) to chassis ground. All is good in the neighborhood...tested- verdict=sweet brake controller

 

[Ducmonsta]

Just wanted to throw this out there.
https://smile.amazon.com/Tekonsha-9...72663&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=tekonsha+rf&psc=1

It's RF and the remote goes with any tow vehicle with a 12v outlet so anyone can have control of your trailer brakes. Really happy with mine. Just another option.

 

[DesertCanyons]

What size of a trailer do you need these brake controllers for? I'm looking at a teardrop trailer that weighs either 1000# without a galley or 1800# with the galley and a 30 gallon water tank. It comes with 10" electric brakes. What does the controller do for a light weight trailer?

 

[BobsTrail]

The owners manual for my 2013 shows a maximum of 1655 for unbraked trailer weight.

 

[DesertCanyons]

The owners manual for my 2013 shows a maximum of 1655 for unbraked trailer weight.

Good Point. That's 1/4 of the weight of a T4R.

My question is about a trailer with 10" electric brakes. This thread is about trailers with brakes too. What does a brake controller do for a light weight trailer of 1000# to 1800#?

 

[N6WRV]

The owners manual for my 2013 shows a maximum of 1655 for unbraked trailer weight.

Even with lightweight 1,000-1,500# trailers, an electric trailer brake controller is essential for emergency stops.

The electric brakes on my 1,500# Apache solid-state camping trailer saved me 2 times from going off the road into a ditch.

Electric brakes on trailers weighing 1,500# and over are mandatory in California.

 

[N6WRV]

What size of a trailer do you need these brake controllers for? I'm looking at a teardrop trailer that weighs either 1000# without a galley or 1800# with the galley and a 30 gallon water tank. It comes with 10" electric brakes. What does the controller do for a light weight trailer?

You definately need your electric brakes to be enabled by an electric brake controller.

 

[WAT4R]

I installed the Redarc tow pro elite as well and I'm happy with install and performance. Really clean looking switch. I used Redarc's harness specific to 4runner rather than the factory or Tekonsha. The Redarc harness plugs in directly to the socket at the kick panel and straight to the Redarc control unit, no spicing anything anywhere. I also bought the switch insert like [MENTION=139970]greatape[/MENTION] but more specific to the 4runner... at least it fit into the opening better than the TPSI-001 with no filing etc.

Redarc wiring harness for 4runner PN: TPH-021
Redarc switch insert PN: TPSI-002

 

[Matt831]

Thank you for posting those part numbers.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

The Tekonshas work well. For my saltwater boats (towing with a 3/4 ton diesel) the Tekonsha with electric over hydraulic actuator is a god send. I would never go back to a surge brake actuator.

 

[Albionwood]

Pigtail for 2010?

I'm looking at the Redarc TowPro controllers and they now have a harness specifically for a 4Runner, but only for 2014 and later:
"The REDARC Tow-Pro TPH-021 wiring harness offers the ability to connect the Tow-Pro™ Elite or Tow-Pro Liberty electric brake controller into Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured between 2014 - 2019."

I have a 2010 Trail and am hoping this will fit anyway. Anyone know what might be different in the trailer brake wiring harness? Did anything really change in 2014?

 

[Philbie]

Good Point.My question is about a trailer with 10" electric brakes. This thread is about trailers with brakes too. What does a brake controller do for a light weight trailer of 1000# to 1800#?

Hard to explain. Using the trailer brakes can help settle the trailer in situations where it starts to bounce or push the tow vehicle. I use to use the trailer brake manually when the truck would get a bit unsettled usually going down hill or when I felt I was being pushed. Much bigger trailer, much bigger truck, but everything is relevant. Just another tool to help keep things under control if needed.

 

[rsclancy]

Best laid plans...

Just wanted to throw this out there.
Amazon.com: Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control: Automotive

It's RF and the remote goes with any tow vehicle with a 12v outlet so anyone can have control of your trailer brakes. Really happy with mine. Just another option.

the "anyone" may be the guy in the next lane! Hopefuly not.

 

[denise.rist@yahoo.]

I installed the Redarc tow pro elite as well and I'm happy with install and performance. Really clean looking switch. I used Redarc's harness specific to 4runner rather than the factory or Tekonsha. The Redarc harness plugs in directly to the socket at the kick panel and straight to the Redarc control unit, no spicing anything anywhere. I also bought the switch insert like [MENTION=139970]greatape[/MENTION] but more specific to the 4runner... at least it fit into the opening better than the TPSI-001 with no filing etc.

Redarc wiring harness for 4runner PN: TPH-021
Redarc switch insert PN: TPSI-002

Thanks for the part info. It helped to make sure I ordered the correct harnes and snap in insert! I'm going to give it a try! We'll see if us ladies can do an install too. I just got a 2020 4Runner. I love it so far. I'm still studying what I can tow. Wish me luck!

 

[Drew Dumas]

Trailer brake controller

I'm looking at the Redarc TowPro controllers and they now have a harness specifically for a 4Runner, but only for 2014 and later:
"The REDARC Tow-Pro TPH-021 wiring harness offers the ability to connect the Tow-Pro™ Elite or Tow-Pro Liberty electric brake controller into Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured between 2014 - 2019."

I have a 2010 Trail and am hoping this will fit anyway. Anyone know what might be different in the trailer brake wiring harness? Did anything really change in 2014?

Did you ever end up putting a trailer brake controller on the 2010 trail? I have the same 4Runner and was looking for a compatible trailer brake controller.
Thanks

 

[Humble Leader]

Did you ever end up putting a trailer brake controller on the 2010 trail? I have the same 4Runner and was looking for a compatible trailer brake controller.
Thanks

I have a 2012 4runner so the early 5th gen like yours. I installed the red arc tow pro elite a month or so ago. the red arc website is a bit confusing because it states the plug and play harness is for 2014+ but I checked with redarc and it does fit with the early 5th gens. their customer service is some of the best I've seen. it's also a bit hard to find on their website but there are 4runner kits that you can buy as a bundle that is cheaper than buying the controller, switch insert and harness all separately. I have not towed with the controller yet but I can verify it does install and calibrate properly with no error lights (on the bezel) on the early 5th gens. there's also a youtube video on how to install it which I used to determine where to mount that controller.

 

[WildSockets]

Redarc TowPro. During install, I decided to move the factory switches around to my liking.

 

[spottyj]

Redarc TowPro. During install, I decided to move the factory switches around to my liking.

I have read on various forums that the RedArc does not work properly on 2019 and later 4Runners due to a diode in the 4Runner and calibration signals the TowPro sends.

Anyone have experience with the RedArc TowPro Elite and a 2022 4Runner? TIA

Read this on eTrailer site:

Just a moment...


Troubleshooting Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller Not Recognizing Trailer On 2019 Toyota 4Runner

Question:

Hi, ive installed a tow pro elite on my 2019 4 runner. I used the factory pigtail supplied by Toyota. the red arc controller has 4 wires and the Toyota plug had five. I omitted the green with silver band wire from the hook up as I read it wasnt required, when I hook the trailer up the control knob only blinks a slow blue light then fades. I believe this indicates that the trailer is not recognized. Also I should mention that the hitch is not a typical ball hitch but an articulating type by Maxcouplar. The trailer running lights work, the brake lites and signals work but the brakes do not? Can you help?



Expert Reply:

This is a common problem that I have seen when using the factory connector on your 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The ground wire for the brake controller is not capable of supporting the negative power from the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR.

Redarc has their Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness # RED49FR that includes an additional ground wire that needs to be connected to a good ground source on your 4Runner. You can try splicing in an additional ground wire on your current universal harness to get the ground terminal working properly.