Question on 3rd party elec brake control for trailers

Hello all

2016 3rd gen tacoma - i need to pull a 17ft travel trailer and we know 3rd gen does not offer a factory elec trailer brake controller

In the Portland OR area, shops are recommending either the REDARC KitPro elite or the CURT Spectrum

Any experience, advice, or recommendations on either ?

Thank you much
Rick

 

Research them online and pay attention to how they are installed. You want a quality installment.

 

Welcome to the forum

Many here including myself have the Redarc. It installs very clean with only one knob showing and works very well. The Tacoma can use the lower priced Liberty model, the Elite is rated for 3 axles and a Tacoma had no business towing a 3 axle trailer.

Read about them here: https://www.redarcelectronics.com/us/toyota/tacoma

 

welcome

I prefer the finish look of the Redarc (plus a member makes a slick mounting plate for the controller)
Do you have the Tow Package or do you need to wire in the 7 pin harness

 

The redarc is probably the cleanest install and its what I have.

BUT-

on a Teknosha prodigy or similar- I like the ability to 'boost' the trailer brake- it has saved my a few times to control a trailer that started swaying.

While you can definitely do that with the Redarc- its a rotary knob and you have to pay attention to how far you turn it back to maintain the original brake bias. I find the prodigy's spring loaded booster more intuitive and ergonomic.

 

Hello all

Thank you much for timely and informative replies )) My '16 tacoma does have the factory tow package and after reviews, comments here and info from the OffRoad service shop here, I'll probably go with the Redarc, has a cleaner install on the tacoma, taking advantage of some empty plugs etc so no extra wires showing or needed anywhere. The rotary dial will fit into that empty plug slot at lower left of dash next to 120v back bed switch for a nice factory look also.
Thanks again,
Rick

 

I don't understand this caveat; with a swaying trailer I am under the impression and experience that applying only the trailer brakes while swaying is best. So just pressing the button of the Redarc would do just fine. Your trailer brakes should always be set to brake harder than just the required amount to slow the trailer.

 

That's not all, the Elite also has a second mode of operation that the user controls for a more personalize feel. It's been a while since I have towed so I do not remember the specifics. Yes, the Tacoma should not be towing loaded three axel trailers.

 

I have the Redarc Liberty and got a custom laser cut panel off Etsy to mount it nicely under the dash. I think the Etsy seller might be on this forum actually. Anyway, it’s a nice clean set up and I don’t have to stare at some huge brake controller mounted by my knees.

 

I had to go back and reread the manual- you're right that you just need to push the knob to activate 'trailer-brakes only'- for some reason I thought that was done by twisting the dial.

 

I have the RedarcTowpro Elite and used the push button trailer-only braking function to dampen sway on a rental flatbed trailer.
I do find the dial spun from desired 4 to undesired 10 on occasion. Notice when going down driveway and locking up camper brake. Must be brushing dial with knee getting in or out of cab but have yet to catch it happening.
The dial lights up in a diagnostic psychedelic color scheme depending on what's going on. I never learned to read smoke signals in boy scouts so it remains a mystery to me.

 

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 for pulling a 19' Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser with a 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport 4WD/M6.
It fits into the little cubby to the left of the steering wheel and stays put with no screws or other attachments. It's been there for 4 years with no problems.