My REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty Install

Hi all!

I just got done installing the REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty into my 2016 TRD Off-Road.

I picked up the kit, which included the brake controller, a vehicle-specific wiring harness, and a universal switch insert. I didn't use the universal insert; I used the Tacoma insert instead.

I watched some videos and came up with a game plan. The wiring harness was easy... just plugged it into the factory plug and grounded it to the factory ground stud behind the kick panel. The remote was easy too... just popped out the old insert and installed the new one with the remote. Only issue I had was that the new insert kept wanting to pop out of the dash panel. I haven't had any further issues since putting the dash back together though.

I wasn't happy with the mounting options for the controller itself, so I designed and fabricated a bracket:



After mounting the controller to the bracket, I bolted the bracket to the vertical portion of the airbag bracket using these holes:



Here are a couple of close-ups of the top and bottom of the bracket/controller after it was installed:



Couldn't be happier! Hope y'all like it.

 

If you get the bracket mass produced, I bet others would buy one. I used zip ties myself But would love something cleaner. Solving the design is the hard part. Nice work.

 

Thanks!

Well... I did get 10 made. It was the same price as 1. I could definitely get them made up in bulk if folks are interested.

 

Nice! Zip ties were the bracket I used. Where were you when I was doing this 3 weeks ago?!?!

 

Great install mate, that's a clean bracket!

 

Any chance you can confirm the liberty and elite share a form factor?

 

Can you share the design file? I can run one on the CNC.

 

DXF work? If so, send me a message with your email and I'll get it over to you.

I didn't include the countersinks on the back because the place I get stuff done doesn't offer that service. I just did them by hand on the drill press. I'm sure you could have the CNC do that for you.

 

There are a few flat spots up under the dash, I used some

$8 3m vhb 100x200mm~ (4" X8") Double Sided Foam Adhesive Sheet Tape 5952 Automotive Mounting Industrial Grade Very High Bond 5952 (1 Sheets 100x200mm)

3m vhb tape and mounted mine that way. No bracket needed. No need to remove anything other than kick panel as well.

 

I believe they're identical.

 

Interesting timing.
I just pulled their mount out of my mailbox an hour ago.

@pgfitzgerald
If you would, outside of the fact they're highway robbery, what in particular were you not satisfied with, with the REDARC mount?

TIA

 

That install looks pretty clean. Would you consider selling a kit with the bracket and hardware that you used for install?

 

Out of stock at the moment...

 

Just felt meh about it. I wanted something that felt "purpose built" and bolted sturdily to the truck in two spots. Plus, I had been wanting an excuse to design and fabricate something. I'm sure that bracket is just fine.

 

Did your truck come with the factory tow package?

 

Sure, send me a message.

 

Yes

 

Yea, pretty much everyone BUT REDARC has them, though.
I ordered mine from etrailer.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Redarc/RE67FR.html

 

Kudos, cleanest install I have ever seen of a Redarc.

My only advice for an ultimate clean install, buy or make a custom length cable for the panel switch. The liberty uses regular Cat5 with RJ45 connectors in patch. Cutting and crimping the included cable is certainly an option.

Where's the airbag by the way, is that if on the right rotated down?

 

Thanks!

Yep, I unbolted the airbag and swung it down to the right just to give me some more room to work.