Brake Controllers

Curious if anyone has installed the controller knob/dial in the overhead center console?

Saw Redarc has a 13 foot extension cable. I don’t have have left side switches open and below the head unit is harder to reach down to in a hurry for me plus manual shift stick may in the way depending on which gear I’m in


https://redarcelectronics.com/products/13ft-tow-pro-elite-remote-head-wiring-kit?variant=37926208569536

 

Not sure you would have enough space behind the switch on the head unit. The body of the switch sticks out a little over an inch and the wire pugs into the back of it, so you need even more space.

Personally, I'm putting the knob on the far left of the panel below the climate control. I would have to move my head to see the knob if I installed it on the left hand panel, and as I have a manual I'm use to having my right hand off the wheel anyway. Of course everyone is different, but this looks to be the most user friendly location.

 

Ok, I have to correct myself, it would probably fit.

 

Thanks! There’s actually a few inches up there (my trac off button is overhead) so figure switch depth would be fine. Was more curious about whether the standard kit harness could reach from under the gauge cluster to overhead or if I need the (ridiculously long) 13foot extension

far left on lower center is my second pick for location

 

The cable from controller to knob that came with mine in 39 inches. I also ordered the Redarc harness, which is 30 inches. So I don't see anyway to mount the knob overhead without the longer cable with the connection to the trucks wiring harness being at the driver's feet. Hopefully that is a bit more helpful than my first attempt.

With a 13 ft cable you could always go up the B column and avoid the side airbag. Or so I think, I know there is an airbag in the A column, but I'm guessing on the B column. The more I think about it, the nicer overhead sounds. However, for myself I'm not willing to put in the additional work needed to route the wires.

 

I'm set on the redarc because its plug in play and has a clean factory look. I'm debating between the elite and liberty. Any suggestions? I've read about liberty = on road use vs elite = off-road. I'm looking for more detail on why you went one way or the other. Thanks in advance.

 

Had same thoughts. My use will be primarily on road and that functionality is same. Came down to do I want to spend an extra ~$75 to have both functions should I ever want it? Momma always said better have and not need than to need and not have

 

I like how your mama rolls!

 

I got the Elite. It gives the ability to tow 3 axels. The "off road" capability can also come in handy in inclement weather. I figured the cost difference was minimal for the added capabilities. I may never need them, but plan on having the truck for a long time.

 

Without reading through all of the pages... has anyone posted this Redarc switch blank?

https://redarcelectronics.com/produ...E9b2QO3NYV2FGoewiAHZWNQFCpiWf8CRoCE3QQAvD_BwE

 

that's the one I use. Lemme go snap a pic.

 

I got this one https://redarcelectronics.com/products/switch-insert-to-suit-toyota-mitsubishi

I have not installed it yet though, but it looks to be correct for the 3rd gens in the center console.

 

It seems there are two types.

$15 TPSI-002 Switch Insert Panel for Toyota and Mitsubishi vehicles

TPSI-002 = shorter

$25 TPSI-007 Switch Insert Panel (TPSI-007)

TPSI-007 = longer (clutch bypass on manual; blank on auto)



I ordered the TPSI-007 and putting it in the blank location of my auto truck. The center console should be TPSI-002.

 

I installed the

$15 TPSI-002 Switch Insert Panel for Toyota and Mitsubishi vehicles

TPSI-002 with the Elite and the TPH-015 Toyota specific wiring harness. All works like a charm!

 

Got my Redarc Elite installed today. The hardest pat was disassembling the dash to get the switch in, and that was not very hard.

 

Update: Completed install of my TowPro elite in the overhead console. Purchased their 13’ extension harness for the dial, part #RHWK-004.

 

Question: After hitting the brake my brake controller sometimes blinks orange and red. It's not a documented trouble code, any ideas what this means?

 

Nicely done!

 

I'm a few months late to the party but wanted to chime in since I installed my gear a few hours ago and could not be happier with the Tow Pro Elite fit and finish. I cannot speak to its performance towing as I have yet to hook up a trailer and I will not speak to what is best but here is why I went with the Tow Pro:

1. Aussie built and tested - they know caravans and they know towing and these units have been put through their paces down under. If they were garbage you would know.
2. The controller can be tucked away up under the dash. I like that since I am a tall man of culture and do not need to be bashing my knee on a clunky box (plus those things are an eye sore).
3. The controller does not need to be horizontal or level which gives me flexibility - the controller calibrates/zeroes itself and does not need to be at 90 or 180 deg. Note: it must be secured to a bracket or fixture that will not move so you cannot zip tie it to a wiring harness dangling under the dash.
4. Redarc makes a harness that plugs directly into the Tacoma's harness (I have the TRD Sport that came factory wired) so there is no splicing needed. Just plug the harness in and connect the white wire to the chassis ground (10mm bolt the other harnesses use on the side wall).
5. Redard makes a slim insert that fits the Taco's factory switch so no Dremel or drilling is needed (although the kit comes with a template that you can cut out so if you want to get creative and mount the switch somewhere else you have a template to use)
6. Several detailed install videos are out there on YouTube for 3rd Gen Tacos and the install is straight forward. Remove the driver's kick plate, pop out the switch panel and blank, install the harness, mount the controller, zip tie the wires so everything looks factory, mount the switch, put the covers back in order and you are done. It is simple to install if you have basic skills.

The install (several hours ago):

The parts (not pictured - 3M, 1in. x 9 Ft VHB Double Sided Foam Adhesive Tape - same stuff GoPro uses for their helmet and vehicle mounts)



The install
*Note: I used two strips of the 3M tape to secure the controller to another connector that is firmly snapped into a bracket. There is a solid bracket with enough of a gap for the edge of the TowPro controller to slide under which creates a physical slot and I have the 3M adhesive. This foam tape is the same stuff GoPro uses for its windshield and helmet mounts so I am not worried about the controller falling.


The switch

It isn't much to look at which is what I like. It is understated and looks factory. *My apologies for the dirty vehicle - I am in need of an interior detail.



I'm planning on towing an OBi Dweller and will edit this post or update the thread when I have some miles on the road and can speak to how this kit performs. I expect good things and could not be happier with the purchase and install.