2021 Tacoma TRD off Road Brake Controller?

Getting ready to tow my horse almost 800 miles, and having a few questions?

In speaking with my dad, he mentioned to get a brake controller installed, for the mountain driving. I knew my new Tacoma has some sort of towing package, so I was reading up on how things work...
"Similar to the Tundra, the Tacoma will have a class IV trailer hitch, specialized cooling systems, and a 130-amp alternator, as well as the trailer sway control and trailer brake controller.'

As the quote above mentions... I'm confused now...? So do I need a brake controller, or not?

 

The Tacoma is wired for a trailer brake controller and the connector is located behind the driver kick panel, in a wire loom, near the firewall. You’ll need an aftermarket brake controller device that plugs into that connector. I use a RedArc Liberty, which works well, but there are others. E-Trailer would have what you need.

 

Thank you!

 

Quick question...you say it's wired for the controller. So I just need the controller and switch? Nothing else?

 

You'll need the controller and wiring harness to go with it. The Tekonsha P3 and Redarc are popular choices. The Redarc fits into a switch blank if you have one available. The Tekonsha takes up a little more room but are both proportional contollers. I've used both and like both equally.

The wiring harness will simply plug into the truck pigtail and then plug the harness into the controller. Finally connect your ground wire to a metal bolt and you're good to go. My pigtail was behind the kick plate on the drivers side

 

What @wtjl240 said.

 

Your welcome.

 

If you would like to see everything that is needed for the Redarc setup check out my post here. I tow a 3500# Vorsheer XOC through the mountains and couldn't be happier with it. The tekonsha is a solid choice as well that has plenty of street cred.