Do I need a brake controller?

The Taco:
2018 Taco TRD Offroad, DC LB with towing package. No mods (yet...)

The Tow:
We are renting a travel trailer for 3 day camping trip, Nash 18, weighs about 4,200 dry. Towing it about 70 miles with one steep hill about 1 mile long. Spokane, WA to St. Maries, ID (for those who know the area).

The Driver:
Sane, knows that sometimes going slower is better.

Thanks for the help!

 

Yes, you do need one. You might be able to rent one with the trailer.

 

Without one you will be trying to stop the extra weight of the trailer with just the brakes on the truck.
It's easy to setup. You will need a brake controller and a wiring harness. The harness will plug into the truck and into the brake controller.

 

It's worth purchasing and installing a controller. Your dealer will have the easiest kit for the tacoma to install, or have them do it.

 

I would recommend one, and I know the area well. I miss Spokane.... anyway you can get a Tekonsha P3 and the harness to plug right into the Tacoma pretty cheap on etrailer.

I really like my P3, but I had to wire it myself as my Land Cruiser was too old to have a premade plugin

https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller-with-Wiring/Tekonsha/90195-3040P.html

 

I have a Tekonsha P3. It is one of the best rated brake controllers. I would recommend one. Tekonsha has a wiring harness for the Tacoma or you can buy one from the dealer.

 

Check with the RV place, mine has a wireless break controller that plugs into the cig outlet, works great. I would think this is something they would install on all rentals, not everyone has a break controller and it would be a safety liability to let someone rent a trailer without it.

 

Thanks. Love Spokane and recreation available everywhere!

 

Ordered the P3 from etrailer and the adapter

 

All the reviews I have read on it are positive and from my experience it is good as well.
Enjoy camping.

 

Thanks.

 

I have heard there is an adapter that plugs into the trailer light connector on the truck that the trailer brake harness also plugs into. Has anyone else heard of something like this?

 

Where did you mount your P3 controller?

 

I put it just below the switches on the left side of the steering wheel. that way I can break it off more easily when I get out! LOL. I only have it there when towing. then it goes back in the bag it came in and behind the rear seat on the drivers side.