redarc install question

I got the redarc liberty but have not installed it yet

Also purchased the bracket made by a user here on tacomaworld.

I read some old threads and they reference removing the airbag to install it. This makes me nervous. Is it necessary to remove the airbag to use this bracket? Is the brake controller mounted to the airbag? Is that safe if the airbag goes off?

I am sure I am misunderstanding some stuff so thanks for any clarification

 

I just did the install. Yes you need to remove the airbag. There’s a video on YouTube that shows how to install it in with some detail. They are installing the other redarc controller but it’s the same. It’s not terribly hard but they say 30 minutes and it took me double that because it’s a very tight spot to work in. I don’t think airbags are that delicate. Remember to unhook the battery then there’s no power to trigger or short anything.

 

Thanks for response. Do you actually bolt it to the airbag or just removing it for ease of install? After it’s installed is the airbag impacted at all?

 

No it’s bolted on the airbag bracket on the left using 2 unused holes on that bracket. One directly behind the airbag and one about 4” above. The airbag is only removed for access. Nothing changes with the airbag mounting.

 

Would you post a link to that video pls? Tks.

 

ok now you BOTH have me insanely curious.. I am 100% unaware of having to mess with the airbag I am going to put it on a button on my left of the steering wheel buttons. However I DID get the memo on doing the work with the battery disconnected.

This is in my plans for Friday-Sunday.



Have to get it done because Ive got probably the BEST Campsite in Northern Ohio reserved for weekend after next. No pressure.
Geneva State Park Site #101 on the lake new Full hookup sites.

 

I also put my redarc in a blank push button space left of the steering wheel. I had to modify the blank to make it fit, but nothing about pulling the airbag. (I have a '16 Limited)

 

https://youtu.be/pjEEJCCR5D8?si=1BVWGwz9wi4FINLY

 

I happen to have gotten a redarc but I don't have any bracketry from either a member here or Redarc.. Maybe that is why it hasn't moved from my glovebox since I got it!

 

I also didnt get a bracket. I did see your instructions from redarc and didnt buy that little metal bracket (I bought their "complete" install kit. I am going to follow this guys instructions which

1. Dont mess with the airbag. (stays away from it too)
2. Doesnt have to remove tons of plastic
3. Mounts with Zipties on the left side way out of the way of the airbag and brake and gas pedals.
4. most these videos dont say specifically to disconnect the battery but I AM doing that.

This is the video Im going to follow. Seems the most simple install
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GRfQlZXI-g


This one shows where I am going to mount mine because it is the only blank button available.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV0lO7Z4KmQ

 

I mounted the unit under my dash and placed the dial/button in a blank dash slot. I’m curious too. Why mount it in the steering column? Have they changed something?

 

Nothing changed, can be mounted in any orientation. They include the bracket now as a way to make sure that thing gets bolted to something solid so it's bullet proof. I've got mine velcro-ed to the driver kick panel. I like it there in case I want to look at it or do anything to it. Yeoman's duty for the past 3 seasons.

 

Exactly how I mounted mine.

 

is it velcroed to the inside or outside of your kick panel?

 

Mine’s on the outside, higher up & out of sight.

 

Isn’t velcro or zip tie a bad idea because these are basically inertia sensors and should be mounted solidly?

 

If it’s zip tied or velcro-ed to something that can move around, like a cable or wire loom, then yeah not a good idea. As long as it’s solid there won’t be a problem. The bracket is a good solution but when I installed mine, it wasn’t available, so a little improvising with industrial velcro.