Brake Controller

Hello everybody. My name is Russ. I'm new to this forum. I'm new to Tacoma's. I recently purchased a new to me a 2021 Tacoma Access cab. 4cyl, 4WD. It had under 12,000 miles on her when I picked it up. I'm looking to tow a small Coachman Viking pop up. I have the tow package. Connecting it this weekend. I have the wire harness and the 4 pin / 7 pin plug to snap into the bumper. That part is all routine. I need some advise on a brake controller. I'm kind of in the dark on this. How it works, how it connects. Brand that work. Brand to avoid. Any advise and tips are welcomed.

 

Welcome to the forum

Many folks here including me use a Redarc brand brake controller, it works very well and is a clean install with only one knob showing.

Look here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-redarc-tow-pro-liberty-install.773860/

I don't believe your 4 cylinder will have the plug in located in the driver kick panel the factory tow package trucks have so you will need a universal harness instead of the Tacoma specific one.

In operation modern brake controllers use electronics to detect how hard you are braking and apply the trailer brakes proportionally to synchronize the truck & trailer.

 

Thanks RustyGreen. I found this on Amazon. Also, they include their "Frequently bought together" section on that page. They show a universal connector and a Toyota panel switch. Is it safe to assume this is what I need?

$142 REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty Electric Trailer Brake Controller Kit, Everyday Mode for Proportional Braking, Active Calibration, Inertia Sensing, Manual Override for Trailer Sway, Compatible with 12V Systems

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YK48XHT?th=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJO7E5OLQ67NVPFZA

 

Welcome. the Redarc controller plugs right in if you have the towing package.

I believe that no 4 cyl Tacomas come with a towing package from the factory.
If you have a factory mounted receiver and a factory 7 pin connector than you have the tow package.
All V6 Tacomas come with it now. towing with a 4cylinder was painful for me.

The towing capacity is 3500 pounds for all Tacomas until you add the towing package and it increases to 6400 pounds.
Theres a really good towing thread on here someplace that is really helpful

 

Hi Bill, my truck does not have a towing package. I'm mounting the receiver this weekend and wiring in the 4pin / 7pin socket that snaps into the rear bumper. I plan on towing a Coachman Viking pop up. I believe it's the smallest one they make. Around 2000 Lbs. I know it will be a bit of a strain on those 4 cylinders. But, we are going nowhere fast.

 

I have the redarc, works great.

I recommend getting this mounting plate as you have to fix it to a solid surface (not dangling with zip ties)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1417438984/redarc-tow-pro-mounting-bracket-for-3rd?gpla=1&gao=1&utm_custom1=_k_%7Bgclid%7D_k_&utm_custom2=12665398257&gad_source=1

You need to have the 7 pin trailer wiring plug from the factory for it to work for you though.

 

I too have a Reedarc, a Reedarc Pro and with the tow package it's an immediate plug and play. Great product, excellent performance.
Installing the tow package to plug it into will be the more difficult part I'm thinking.

 

There is also a vehicle specific wiring harness you need, which I couldn't find on Amazon so I just bought the Tacoma kit directly from redarc.

 

This is a quote from an earlier post in this thread.

I don't believe your 4 cylinder will have the plug in located in the driver kick panel the factory tow package trucks have so you will need a universal harness instead of the Tacoma specific one.

 

You might also consider the Bluetooth brake controller.

CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC

CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3"es, BLACK PLASTIC

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JQ99SDD

I personally have the RedArc Elite mounted below my emergency brake handle.

 

Here is the Redarc universal wiring harness.
https://www.redarcelectronics.com/us/trailer-brakes/wiring-harness?p=2



As @GawainXR linked above this $25 mounting bracket makes for a clean and secure install.

 

Thanks Ryan. That CURT 51180 seems to be what my truck needs. The least evasive. A few more $$$. But it might be worth it.