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Trailer Brake Control-Plug n Play?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by atavuss, Sep 12, 2011.

  1. Sep 12, 2011 at 7:36 PM
    #1
    atavuss

    atavuss [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I need to add a trailer brake control to my 09 TRD 4 door 4x4, is the Taco pre-wired for a brake controller?
     
  2. Sep 12, 2011 at 7:50 PM
    #2
    TiMe

    TiMe Well-Known Member

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    If you have the tow package then it's pre wired. There's a harness Toyota gives you with the truck that plugs in behind the drivers kick panel that the controller plugs into
     
  3. Sep 12, 2011 at 8:23 PM
    #3
    atavuss

    atavuss [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I do have the tow package so I am good! Thanks!
     
  4. Sep 12, 2011 at 8:32 PM
    #4
    a89aries

    a89aries Well-Known Member

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    Any recommendations on a brake controller that works particularly well with our trucks?
     
  5. Sep 12, 2011 at 8:47 PM
    #5
    utahskierdave

    utahskierdave Well-Known Member

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    prodigy is what you want.
     
  6. Sep 13, 2011 at 7:45 AM
    #6
    pootermobile

    pootermobile Well-Known Member

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    I bought my truck used, but it does have the tow package. I think I found the harness(five wires in a white connector) but i don't think i have the plug that goes into it. Do you have a picture of the wire harness/connector?
     
  7. Sep 16, 2011 at 9:43 AM
    #7
    TiMe

    TiMe Well-Known Member

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    no I dont. you can call the dealer and they will know what you need.
     
  8. Sep 16, 2011 at 10:47 AM
    #8
    Kayak Taco

    Kayak Taco Active Member

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    You have all you need other than a trailer brake controller and some butt splice connectors.
    Look in your owners manual, it shows where the white plug plugs in under the dash.
    Then, the manual that comes with your trailer brake controller will tell you exactly which of the brake controller wires go to which wires on the harness. Connect the wires accordingly, plug the controller into the truck, and away you go..

    You can check my hidden install of a simple brake controller here: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/177363-hidden-trailer-brake-controller-install-pics.html
    Its a much simpler unit than the prodigy mentioned above, but has worked great for me and takes up no space compared to other units that wouldn't fit where i installed mine.
     
  9. Sep 16, 2011 at 11:19 AM
    #9
    pootermobile

    pootermobile Well-Known Member

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    Thanks! And that's a pretty sweet mounting location, I might have to copy you....:D
     
  10. Nov 4, 2011 at 1:34 PM
    #10
    07SilverTaco

    07SilverTaco New Member

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    New to the forum, but owned my taco since new in 07. I have a dealer installed tow package so I only have the four flat connector. I just took my truck to have a brake controller installed and they said that it will control trailer brakes with a 4 flat and an adapter. I have read your forums and u say it can't. I tend to believe you guys. Any suggestions?
     
  11. Nov 4, 2011 at 4:51 PM
    #11
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    No it won't you'll need an extra added wire and a 7 pin socket.
     
  12. Nov 4, 2011 at 5:12 PM
    #12
    fvtalon

    fvtalon Well-Known Member

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    If you order a brake controller and you get the "Toyota harness" with it then you don't need butt connectors or that glove box harness, it will be plug and play on a factory tow package truck, no splicing needed.

    I've got a Hayes G2 accelerometer based controller. It matches the truck nice and works really well. The output screen is nice and it's easy to adjust. Has a volt meter in it too.

    If you have the dealer installed flat 4 tow package you're going to need to bring 2 wires from the front of the truck to the back and add a 7 pin plug-in. One will be from the battery to the 7 pin plug for accessory power which will charge the trailer battery for safety brakes and can do other stuff. The second wire will come from the battery to the brake controller, then from the brake controller to the 7 pin and this will control the brakes.

    The other two you need to hook up the brake controller are a ground and a brake lights switch, those should be active in the factory tow harness plug.

    Whoever was going to install your brake controller in exchange for money and thought you don't need a 7 pin plug or 7 pin wiring shouldn't be doing any electrical work on your vehicle... at all.... ever.
     
  13. May 3, 2013 at 4:25 PM
    #13
    semievolved

    semievolved Member

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    i am still trying to locate where the factory tow plugin goes. my owner's manual has a cheezy drawing that indicates it is below and to the left of the steering wheel but i don't find anything obvious. i pulled the piece that hides the fuse box but i don't see any receptacle that could mate with the plastic plug.

    i see lots of wiring behind a panel just to the left of the foot area. is that where it is and i just need to remove that piece to access it?

    any help appreciated. i am sure i should see it but i just don't!
     
  14. May 3, 2013 at 8:13 PM
    #14
    cooktaco

    cooktaco Well-Known Member

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  15. May 4, 2013 at 5:21 AM
    #15
    semievolved

    semievolved Member

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    thanks much everybody. as you said, on about my 4th trip under there i finally found it wrapped in a big bunch of wires and barely sticking out, but at least i found it now.

    getting my big old broken self and old arthritic hands in there to plug it in is going to be fun!
     

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