Tacoma towing package 7-pin and 4-pin connectors

brake controllers have a gyroscope that senses deceleration rate, then apply a proportionate amount of voltage to electric trailer brakes to match the braking effort.

there’s no link between the brake pedal of the truck and the controller.

 

Interesting, is that better somehow? I would expect it would work just like normal car brakes.... harder pedal == more brake, less pedal == less brakes. I just cant think of a good reason for the trailer and car braking to be decoupled, the trailer and truck are attached, if Im trying to brake the truck I am also trying to brake the trailer, and at the same rate. Im sure there is a reason, just interesting to me.

 

It's not about how hard you are pressing the pedal, it is about how fast you are actually slowing down -- about synchronizing the brakes between the truck and trailer. They need to work together (proportionally) to do the job smoothly and safely.

Early early brake controllers tied into the actual hydraulic brake lines on the truck -- not the greatest idea today.

Early electric brake controllers (and cheap ones sold today) work on time:
The brake lights send the signal to the controller to start ramping up the trailer brake power, just for example lets say 100% in 5 seconds.
Now imagine a panic brake situation -- for all of that 5 seconds you don't have maximum brake power available.
Same 5 second example going down an icy hill -- as the timed braking power increased the trailer wheels would lock -- excitement, the bad kind ...

With a good modern controller (proportional = gyroscope equipped = good) you make a few test stops and trim the adjustments on the controller when you load up. Now you can settle back and enjoy your trip with the truck and trailer brakes working seamlessly together without distraction or drama.

Probably all big brands are about equal at their respective price point, you can't fairly compare a $40 unit to a $140 unit. I have a Hayes Brake Boss on my old F-250, it works nicely, I took the time to read the manual and learned what the adjustments do for me.

 

Well said!

 

T7 Towing Brake T harness info

 

Has anyone any suggestions on where to install the brake controller if you don't have the cubby on the left side of the dash? I'd like to get one but I've got the auto headlight button and a blank there and no cubby.

thanks!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/empty-slot-on-left-side-of-dashboard.611790/#post-20723167

 

Thanks for the post, looks like another meso panel for me!