Brake controller question

First-time forum user here. Own a 2021 Tacoma and need to get brake controller as I want a larger trailer (currently have a small pop-up A-frame). I plan to purchase a Tekonsha Prius brake controller per the recommendation of my mechanic. The truck does not have the tow package so the wiring may be tricky. How do I find the wires to plug into the controller? I know I need a pigtail but it appears they come in male or female. Does anyone what this model is equipped with? Do I have to take the dash off? Any suggestions appreciated.

 

As far as I know all V6 Tacomas from 2018 on came standard with the tow package, meaning you have all the wiring for the brake controller to integrate into the truck itself just buried behind the drivers kick panel. Does your truck have the 7 pin connector on the rear bumper?

 

See post #19 in this thread https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tow-info-help.845384/

 

These controllers from Redarc are so much better and plug-n-play https://www.redarcelectronics.com/us/tundra-tacoma-brake-controller-kit

 

Welcome to the forum

If your truck has this plug on the back bumper it has the tow package:



The lighting part is already wired and the truck is pre-wired to make a brake controller installation plug & play using this plug located (buried really ) under the panel adjacent to the drivers left foot:



The Redarc kit listed above is very easy to install and clean as well with only a small knob that looks factory on the dashboard. The controller functions very smoothly and is easy to adjust.

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"Easy to install" if you aren't:
1) old
2) fat
3) mobility challenged
4) all of the above

If you happen to be #4 find a young person to work under the dashboard.

Spoiler: Re: #4

It took me 2 hours of cursin' & hurtin' to do what should have been 30 minutes work...

 

@mtshastacindy, please consider the Redarc because it's so unintrusive.

I have the Tekonsha Prius mounted like this (not my pic fwiw). You'll have to cut up the plastic insert to get it installed like this and will be highly likely to occasionally hit your leg on it upon egress/ingress. The Tekonsha does work well but many reviews in the forum claim the Redarc does too.

 

Redarc for me. Plug n play, tiny controller, fits in empty dash switch spots. No brainer. Ski

 

100%.
My 2020 Off Road only had the wiring, and the Redarc Tow Pro was a breeze to install.

 

Yes, it has the 7 pin connector. Ignorant me says what/where is the driver's kick panel? How do I remove it?

 

Get in the drivers seat
Move your left foot left. What it just hit is the drivers kick panel

 

+1 for redarc, here's how my install looks. You can barely tell it's there

 

+1 on Redarc. Compact, unintrusive unit that easily replaces one of the blank switches on the 20+ trucks (which OP has). You can either replace the small blank, or for the automatics, the big blank (where the clutch cancel start button would be on the manual trucks).



Installation is super easy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKsQQK-oqjc

I've used it plenty of times. It works very well

 

Before you do any electrical work on these trucks disconnect the negative battery terminal.

The electrical system is startlingly finicky.
Many people have started out to do a seemingly minor job like changing out the map light bulbs for example, made a small spark and ended up at the dealer for a repair.

Also there are air bags to consider, you don't want any misadventures -- just disconnect the negative terminal & work safely.

 

Duh....thanks so much!

 

This. The 3rd gems seem to be quite susceptible to electrical gremlins, sone even though it can be a PITA it's always a good idea.

 

One more vote for the Redarc with the following caveat: the main unit needs to be solidly mounted. Perhaps someone will find the metal bracket someone on this site developed for you. Otherwise, a much-preferred product than one of those bulky controllers shown on Post #6. I've even put an auxiliary button on the steering wheel that mimics the Redarc push button.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1417438984/redarc-tow-pro-mounting-bracket-for-3rd?click_key=21af4afd6f5b31c4b37878d07c79f90efe99616c%3A1417438984&click_sum=23861730&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=redarc+tow+tacoma&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&sts=1&content_source=0a9767bf40ef2155748d824fd1c48dc20e413361%253A1417438984

Get that w/ a Redarc controller. Simple and easy install.

 

It looks like you have the elite, do you happen to know what the difference is between that and the cheaper liberty?
It says the elite is for all terrain and liberty is for highway but what does that really mean?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-redarc-tow-pro-liberty-install.773860/