Brake Controller - Need Help - 3rd Gen

I’m installing a Redarc brake controller on a 2017 Tacoma Access Cab SR without the factory harness. Has anyone done this? I’ve seen tons of factory harness installs but can’t find one where the factory harness is not there. I just need to know where the universal harness grabs its brake input and if there a recommended power input location. Any install links / photos would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

I installed one in my 2.7L. I tapped into the wire to the brake pedal switch. I believe it’s the blue one if I remember correctly. I then routed the wire up high and covered it with velcro to hold it against the carpet.

I believe Etrailer has a video of a controller install on a Tacoma that shows the wire to be tapped.

 

Here is a link to the video.
https://youtu.be/r8_FP4B_Nvw?si=RdtPCrdFtdmCPtqM

 

Thanks! So tapping into power under the dash at the fuse block isn’t recommended. They went all the way to the battery for the controller. It seems like the controller would have a constant draw without it being on keyed power . Maybe I missed something and need to rewatch the video.

 

I would highly recommend just getting the harness for the Redarc controller. It’s idiot proof and you don’t have to mess with any wires whatsoever, it’s plug/plug

 

If you have a 2.7 you do you have that option, you have to do the wiring yourself.
Mine has been installed for 3 years and has not drained the battery. The draw is minuscule. I also installed a relay and ran a wire to a fuse that supplies power to the 7 pin hot wire only when the ignition is on.

 

Has anyone tried the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller? I have seen great reviews on it.

 

I have never used this CURT product, a lot of people do and I'm sure it works well.

The curt is $200 and Redarc is $170 for the kit. Redarc (or any wired controller) won't fall off, get stolen, or lose Bluetooth connection. Redarc (or any wired controller) has a mounted dial to adjust brake sensitivity and activate brakes in an emergency without trying to fumble with your phone.

It makes more sense if you are switching between vehicles a lot or your vehicle is not factory-wired for 7-pin/brake control. Personally, I would save the money and get a wired brake controller.

 

Little late to the party here, but I have one and it works great. I have a 3000# TT and have used it a bunch of times. You need to keep your phone unlocked and the app open in case you need the surge brakes, but that’s about it. Setup takes ~5 mins, it’s plug and play with the app.

 

Thanks for the feedback. How often do you find yourself needing the surge brakes? I assume the controller works like a wired brake controller with the surge brakes only needed in rare circumstances, correct?

 

Honestly, I’ve used them only one time, my trailer handles pretty well. Yep, your understanding is right, it’s like a wired one where you hit the button to apply the trailer brakes. Everything else works the same, ie. if you apply your brakes the trailer brakes too. As a nice failsafe, if your phone dies, the controller maintains the preset settings for normal braking.

 

This is what I meant about if your phone disconnects, “Echo is a plug-and-play electric brake controller. Once it is configured, the unit will stay on the last saved setting even if the phone dies or the Bluetooth connection is lost. If Bluetooth is disconnected, the unit will continue to function on the last saved setting, but the manual override function will be lost.”

Also, I was just looking the product up and it looks like you can buy a physical button to go with it too for surge braking.

https://www.curtmfg.com/part/51189

Buying mine tonight for my next trip.

 

One of my camping buddies with a Travel Trailer gives this good reviews.