06 DCLB Towing Question

Wise yota towing gurus -

Okay, I did my research and I'm just looking for confirmation that my plan is a solid one. I've got a 06 DCLB with the tow package. From the "Towing Bible" I've read all applicable specs and verified I have the plug under the dash for a Brake Controller. I've got an add-a-leaf and Bilstein 5100's all around. Just replaced the shock/struts/springs this past fall.

• I purchased the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional part number: 90195 with the Yota adapter. I'm fairly confident I can manage the install.
  
• I'm also planning to purchase the Equal-i-zer® 4-Point Sway Control™ Trailer Hitch. I've found it locally for $400. I also found this bitchin install vid
  
• The trailer I'm picking up is a 22' 1993 Salem by Cobra Model 22FBD. Dry weight is 3490lbs.

My mom is buying a new rig and this is basically free. It's tip top and will have new wheels and tires and bearings packed prior to the trip. She lives in Bismarck ND and I live in SLC UT. I'm planning on meeting her in Buffalo WY and spending Memorial Day camping out and learning about the trailer. I'm then hauling it back to SLC with my wife and 4 month old baby. I've towed trailers before just never used a trailer break. I plan on spending the weekend dialing in the Break Control and installing the Equilizer before the tow home.

Am I missing anything? I also plan to test out my 7way plug and controller prior to taking off and bringing all applicable tools to install the Equilizer. Thanks for taking a look. If I was just rolling up there with a buddy I'd be less concerned. Bringing the family has me on logistical red alert for obvious reasons.

Thanks in advance for any feedback

Chris L - SLC UT

 

You've got all your bases covered. W/ Derek Jeter.

I just tried my P3 brake controller and it's simply outstanding. I set it to 6 per the instructions and haven't touched it except to change the display color and brightness.

I did run into 1 issue. I pre-installed my brake controller, which you can and should do, and then hooked up the trailer a few weeks later. My controller was not showing the trailer connected. I ended up pulling the wiring for the brake controller and found that one of the wires entering the plastic connection was not fully seated/inserted. I pushed it in and wa la everything worked.

I can tell you that finding the wiring under the dash was very difficult even knowing how hidden it was. Keep looking and it's lower than you might think. Looking for it proved fruitless. I ended up feeling for it and found it by feel. I then had to take a leap of faith and pull it hard enough to release it from the tape that secured it to the other wiring. Once it pulled loose there was plenty of wiring to pull it out to connect. I ended up stuffing a lot of wiring behind the kick panel.

I also ended up attaching the brake controller to the little coin holder/cubby on the left. Two reasons for this. 1. I could control the brake control w/ my left hand while using my right to shift, auto, if needed. 2. The cubby is very inexpensive to replace if/when you sell the truck and keep the brake controller and don't want to leave two small holes behind for the next owner or give a potential owner the idea that you've drilled little holes all over the place. It's under $30 from at least one source of OEM parts I've found.

 

Sounds like you got most everything you need. Obviously, verify all the lights work and have a spare (assuming the TT has one but mentioning just in case). When I tow mine, I also bring a floor jack and 4-way just in case I get a flat.

 

I tow a 23' foot tt with a dry weight of about 4200lbs. I added firestone ride rites to my 05 trd OR. I inflate the bags to between 30-35lbs before hooking up. The truck sits level and rides great. If you see some squatting with the aal the ride rites are pretty easy to install. I have the same brake controller. The tt dealer installed mine and it works great and is very easy to adjust. Good luck

 

Just attempted to install the P3 with the "Plug and Play" harness and could not find a connector. I found one which was taped to a bank of wires and it was visibly obvious the white connector would not fit, and the grey adapter attached to it would not fit.

I found another connector that was barely poking out and, through hell and high water, I was able to attempt to connect the harness, but no fit. I even tried some of the easier connectors that were connected to other wire connectors and none would fit the harness I have.

The harness is the:

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Toyota and Lexus
Item# 3040-P

Admittedly, I'm not much of a DIY type of guy, but this seemed so easy with all the wires exposed. Oh well, I guess now I have no choice but to have the dealership install it during my next maintenance appointment. Needless to say, I'm pissed.

 

Pretty sure that's the exact same setup I have.

I will tell you that I and everyone else has had a bear of a time finding the prewire.

It's lower than you might think. I had to feel around as I couldn't visually find it. When I found what I thought was it, I just pulled on it out of faith and frustration. It pulled loose from the bundle and plugged right in. I did have to go back and check the wiring as the brake controller wouldn't connect when actually connected. turned out one of the blue wires on the pre wire kit wasn't fully seated in the connecter. A slight push and all was good again.

 

I guess I just re-wrote what I wrote above a few days ago. Didn't realize it was the same thread.

 

The only connector I found which wasn't connected to anything else wouldn't fit. I don't know what's going on but I'm too frustrated to deal with it.

 

Chris it sounds like you know what you're getting into. I used to tow a 19 foot TT and liked having mirror extensions. I found they really helped when backing it up; I didn't really feel I needed them while driving.

If you find the truck sags when loaded and hooked up, consider a pair of Timbren SES heavy duty bump stops. I installed some on my Tacoma because I have a slide-in camper and they are terrific.

 

You could always forgo the adapter and use the included connector w/ bare leads and wire it to the P3. I would imagine the factory connector would fit. Could also use it to compare it to the adapter to make sure you have the right one.

 

I had almost given up trying to find the connector. I had a clear view of the entire wiring harness - couldn't see any appropriate connector.
Reached up one more time and felt around the back side of the main wire bundle --voila! Pretty accessible, just hidden from sight.

Don't lose hope - it's there.
On the other hand, if you need to have it at the dealer for something else, you might get a tech who knows all the secret hiding places.

 

To the OP:

If it helps... I tow a Kubota L3200 w/ loader and backhoe (4400 lbs) on an 18' equipment trailer (1800 lbs) with a 2014 DCLB, for a total of 6200 lbs. I use a prodigy P2 brake controller and recently installed Timbrens. Both these upgrades made a noticeable difference. If you're careful, the truck can handle this rig without the mentioned upgrades, but it's a MUCH more enjoyable experience with them.

The Timbrens are the same ones spec'd for the Tundra (

$220 TORTUN4 Suspension Enhancement System

TORTUN4), so I was worried they'd be overkill/too stiff. They're perfect. My tongue weight is probably 600 pounds; there was way too much say without the Timbrens and it felt unstable. With the Timbrens, only about 1" of sag and much more controlled.

 

And yes, the harness/plug was really tough to find. Just above and slightly lateral to the e-brake. It's not taped to other wires and the plug is open ended.

Here's a pic of my towing setup: