trailer brake question

just purchased a 09 trd with towing package. it has a factory installed 7 pin trailer hookup. here is my question...I'm used to having a separate, aftermarket trailer brake controller. if i hookup a trailer with electronic trailer brakes, do i have to buy and install a trailer brake controller? how does this all work?

thanks

 

yes you have to buy a brake controller. the truck is wired for it but you have to buy one. there should be a pig tail wire in your glove box to use. have to plug it in under your dash by the emergency brake then wire it to your controller

 

Aside from what 09 tacoma trd has already said...

Having a brake controller allows you to fine tune the braking for the load you are towing. The heavier the load, the more braking pressure you'd need versus a smaller load that wouldn't need as much.

If you had too much braking power for a smaller load, that would cause the tires to skid - etc.

Also - some of the brake controllers have a 'lever' which you can activate the trailer brakes separately from the vehicle. This is GREAT especially for going downhills if the trailer starts to sway - you activate the trailer brakes to help straighten things out.

 

thanks for the info! so that's what that adaptor in the glove box is for. That was a future question.

thanks again

 

So then where exactly is the plug for the trailer for the trailer brakes? I have an 07 access cab, and can't seem to find the trailer brake plug near my hitch....

 

actually looking for a plug that comes from the trailer to the back of the truck near the actual hitch (stinger). I've got a friend's single axle trailer he wants moved, but needs the electric brake. I hooked up the trailer to my truck and noticed I've got nowhere to plug in his wiring plug. I have the regular plug (trailer lights) plugged into my truck, and all the trailer lights work. The trailer is in no means a regular trailer, so maybe it has aftermarket electric brakes?? I know a lot of electric brakes and their brake lights are all wired into the same plug....

 

if you have the 7 pin hookup on your truck, then yes, the brakes are integrated into that plug. see link.
http://www.etrailer.com/faq_wiring.aspx

4 pin connector is for lights only

 

Okay, yeah I have the stock electrical hookup on my 07 TRD Sport. Maybe I'll tell my friend with the trailer to re-wire the brakes! Thanks for the help spyshot!

 

Sooo if I have the 7 pin hookup on my truck (2007 TRD Sport Double Cab) I DON'T need the brake controller? I haven't had to tow anything yet but will soon so I need to know. Thanks

 

Yes you still need the controller if you have the factory 7 pin connection it is wired but you still need the controller and the Toyota pig tail to complete the connection there are many controllers on the market so that is why Toyota supplied the pig tail so you could chose the controller you wanted. You can't just plug it it in and expect the brakes to work there has to be some type of control or the trailer brakes would lock up as soon as you step on the brake no matter how fast or slow you were going.

 

Thanks!! I've only had this truck for a few months. I had a F150 before that I added the brake controller and all the towing components but never had a factory installed towing package before. I'll get going on getting the parts and have them installed asap. Thanks again.