Trailer Brake Controller

[salrosa]

Anyone ever install a braker controller for a travel trailer?
How hard is it?
I also need to wire up my runner for a 6 prong electrical connection.

Thanks for any help.

 

[mtnc]

You shouldn't need to do any re-wiring for a 6 pole plug. Just use a 7 pole to 6 pole adapter like this one...

Adapter

You should be able to find one that will work for you at any auto parts store.

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller that works great, doesn't need to be leveled and is easy to wire to the 4 Runners factory plug in the left side kick panel. You will need the wiring pig-tail from Toyota to make the process very simple, my truck came with one.

Tekonsha Prodigy

I'll post some pictures shortly.

Watch the video on this page...

Video2

They install a brake controller on a 4th Gen 4 Runner. You will see how easy it is.

 

[mtnc]

Slide in/out controller mount...

Wiring harness...

Installed brake controller...

You could buy and extra fuse block cover if you want and put it in when you are not using the controller. I thought the mount would be in the way, but it hasn't been a problem.

 

[salrosa]

thanks for the imput. I should have given more info though. I currently have a 96 runner with a three prong hockup.

 

[mtnc]

You would probably have more luck posting in the 3rd Gen forum.

 

[rook]

thanks for the imput. I should have given more info though. I currently have a 96 runner with a three prong hockup.

I'm not sure if there is an adapter for a '96 4runner. I would get a quote at U-Haul so you can compare cost versus time if you do not have experience wiring.

A few things you need:
Wire crimpers
Test light
Electrical connector kit (taps, butt connectors, ground connectors: few bucks at WalMart)
20 feet 10ga automotive wire
Silicone dielectric grease (for exterior elec connections)
7-way plug (uhaul)
Mounting brackets for trailer plug (uhaul)

If you do it without an adapter, you need to connect the wires according to the directions. Don't quote me but I think it goes this way. White=power Black=gnd Red=brake light switch Blue=to trailer plug. Power should be fused and un-switched. For the brake wire, you'll need to tap into the brake switch wire under the dash, just behind the brake pedal lever. You will want to test the wire with a test light to determine which wire to tap into. It should light the test light when pressing the brake pedal. The ground should be routed to an existing ground, somewhere in the kick panel. The output wire needs to be routed the length of the vehicle and connected to the trailer plug. This can be a PITA The best way to route this wire is to follow the existing trailer wiring you have and trace its path, securing the new wire to it.

U haul sells a 7-way plug that is prewired to accept your 4-flat end, all you need to do is make the connection to the controller. Make your connections after mounting the plug to the hitch.

Get the 7-way to 6-way adapter that mtnc linked to. 7-ways are much more common than any other.