Trailer Brake controller?

Im in for this. I have a 7x14 enclosed to haul my moto and camping gear.

 

Moved. Don't really like the location, bit I didn't want to drill a big hole in the center cubby to run the wires. This location will work okay. I'll just keep the controller stashed under the back seat until I need it.

 

I haven’t been back to this thread in a while but I just noticed some balking at the price of the P3. I have used a few different controllers over the years between work trucks and personal. Yes all controllers will apply the brakes on your trailer. Doesn’t matter if they are a $20 controller or a mega dollar one. How they do it is a completely different story. That from my experience is directly attributable to how much you spent. The more expensive ones like the P3 do a much better job.

Tekonsha is the Mercedes of controllers. Simple as that. Ask anyone who has tried everything and they will tell you to get a Tekonsha. My first controller experience with a work truck was a straight controller and not proportional and didn’t have a gyro. You get a brake signal from the brake lights and the brakes on your trailer come on. You control the gain and that’s it. You tap the brakes the slightest bit and the trailer yanks you back. You get into a massive braking moment and you get the same braking you got tapping them. So it’s all or nothing. Basically a piece of shit. Now you step up to proportional and gyros and they are light years ahead. You can set them up soft for initial bite and then the maximum. P3’s and similar controllers also have a “boost” setting that works like the basic controller. It gives you a initial “hit” when you tap the brakes. Helpful on heavier loads. Also great if you also tow the same trailer empty. You can add or remove boost. Now the P3 also has the ability to program in more than one trailer settings so you select trailer one or two and your settings are there from your last setup. Awesome feature if you have more than one trailer or setup.

I upgraded my P2 to a P3 when I got the Tacoma based on using the ESP mount because I couldn’t find a mounting point I liked and didn’t want to drill into a new truck. The multiple trailer saved settings option was a feature that helped sell it all.

My personal opinion on controllers is buy the best and ignore the wallet hit. Being cheap on controllers can make for a horrible towing experience. A high end one set up right is like the trailer isn’t there when braking.

 

Don’t cheap out on safety.

 

So where did you mount your P3 in your Tacoma?

Thanks

 

There's a mounting kit by ESP out there. I think most people are using that or mounting in that cubby somehow in a similar way.

 

ESP kit in coin cubby to the left of steering wheel.

 

Maybe I'm missing it in the thread... Why isn't anyone using th eRedarc controller? Seems to be the best option and isn't so unsightly or cumbersome as the P3.
https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Redarc/331-EBRH-ACCV2.html

 

i'm on a few travel trailer sites and everyone recommended the P3. friend has the P2 and the 3 is just the newer model.. went with th eP3. works very well for my travel trailer.

pain in the ass to find the wiring behind the kick panel on towing package trucks.. but easy install...

 

Makes it the best controller? Based on what? The only thing that makes me even consider the redarc is the fact it can be hidden and the control is small and can be mounted almost anywhere.

Now let’s move on to features. The manual adjustment is a push and turn. Now I want to go back to where I was. I have to manually dial it back to where I was if I remember or else I am setting it up from scratch again. How do you do boost or does it not have this feature? Multiple trailer saved options?

With the P3 I set it and don’t have to worry if someone accidentally hits a knob or did I push it correctly for manual. Manual is a little lever that you can modulate easily. I get in and haven’t towed in a year. No need to remember my settings as they are saved. If I hook up my other trailer I switch to saved setting 2 and I am back to where I last had that trailer set.

If you want a redarc get one. For me the install location is the only advantage. The price is as much or more than a P3 which would be ok IF it was identical features wise AND had the install location benefits. Aside from that the P3 is a better controller overall IMO.

 

Getting this controller..Draw-Tite 5504 Activator IV Electronic Brake Control .Is this the best harness to use?

$25 Tekonsha Trailer Brake Controller Harness, Compatible with Select Toyota Tacoma, Tundra

Tekonsha 3031-P Trailer Brake Control Harness 2-plug Wiring Adapter - Toyota.Is this harness better than the 3017 harness since it has the ground wire?

 

Sub

 

It seems to be the best option for me! I don't have multiple trailers equipped with electric, electric/hydronic brakes thus making it pretty easy to remember the setting. I like the idea of the progressive braking option. Automatic inertia sensing mode as well as Offroad towing. It has a boost option by pressing and holding the switch. You can set it up for instant or progressive boost. I also like that it can control up to 4 axle trailer not that a Tacoma is much of a tow rig. The ability to mount anywhere is a a big factor to me as is the size. I personally don't like how other units patrude into the cabin space. I don't mind paying a little more for its inconspicuous appearance. Just my opinion and preferences...
https://redarcelectronics.com/collections/electric-trailer-brake-controllers

 

Less options than a P3 at more money. Once again the selling feature is the install location / knob location. That is the only advantage to going to the redarc. For some that outweighs everything else.

 

There is a member who manufactures a custom panel that replaces the little cubby and fits a tekonsha P3.

 

This is the best option for install a break controller on my 2018 Tacoma TRD OFF ROAD. It is a Spectrum break controller.

 

Wow that does look clean. What is the controller model and is that panel it is mounted in custom or can it be bought somewhere? You can't just drop that with no details...

 

https://www.curtmfg.com/part/51170

I'm guessing that he made the mounting plate.

 

It is a Spectrum break controller, I just add the mounting plate behind the little pocket it is easy to take out an do some glue

 

May I ask where you mounted the control box for the spectrum controller.