Towing without brake controller

Like many my 2024 Off Road does not have a brake controller.
I am considering a 2060 lb (dry weight) camper to travel the East Coast and not too concerned about local state regulations.
I would be towing in "sport mode" at best with a manual transmission.
I plan to disconnect the ABS and am not interested in a wireless controller nor hard wiring an aftermarket at this point.
I've looked at all the posts and want to conclude that this is a bad idea, but has anyone had positive experience with this weight or more?

 

This is a terrible idea. Put yourself in the position of the person that you’re going to hit in the event of an accident because you couldn’t come to a stop. Then, imagine how your financial situation changes when your auto insurance denies the liability and medical coverage claim because you made a decision to operate your vehicle outside of its parameters.

if the camper has brakes, you need to have a connected and working brake controller. If you’re just moving it a mile or two away to the storage lot, maybe worth the risk. Or pulling a small yard trailer < 500lbs or so, sure, probably fine as they don’t have brakes.

At a minimum, spend $300 and buy the crappy Curt Echo BT controller. Be smart here and just put yourself in the other parties shoes.

 

Completely agree with this response. It's not worth the risk at all. Not a situation you want to FAFO.

I have a large popup with a dry weight of 3400 lb. I would never tow without a brake controller. Also, because of it's relatively high tongue weight, I've always towed with a weight distribution hitch as by the time I load up the entire combo of truck n trailer with bikes, portable grill, car camping chairs, etc. I know I'm exceeding 4000 lbs. Keep in mind that having more mass distributed toward the front wheels vastly improves your steering capabilities in an emergency situation.

 

Brake control is nice but not required. Have it on mine. It does increase safety and reduces wear on the truck brakes. Check online, I believe there is some guidance as to what weight you are towing that they really advise to have one.

 

I've towed 2-3000 a few times with surge brakes, never with a controller, but you definitely want that force behind you stopping you.

It's insane to me to know you have brakes back there but chose not to use them because its a mild cost/inconvenience. Especially on a new truck.

 

what do you mean disconnect the ABS?

 

Per the manual, unbraked max weight is 1000lbs.

your insurance company definitely knows this.

and why would you disconnect the ABS?

 

With my 2003 I had a 500lb camper that I towed. One time I was coming too quick into a turn, as I braked and the ABS kicked in and I could not stop. Scared me.
The ABS was trying to prevent me from skidding or some insane thing.
So I disconnected its fuse. Never had that problem again.
I assume that I may have a similar problem with my newer 2024.
I hate not being in ultimate control of my braking.

 

I am not convinced yet that I can hardwire a controller myself or find someone who knows what they are doing to do it for me. I fear creating further problems with the delicate electronic system (i.e. need for diodes, etc.)
As it is now I am considering scrapping the idea of buying a trailer and just paying for a motel/resort room on my trip.

 

It prevented your rear wheels from locking and jackknifing the whole set up. If you would have disconnected the brakes before that experience, it may well have done more than just scare you.

 

I agree that could happen in a more severe braking situation.
I watched this video and see your point https://youtu.be/mlLYJW-yIIg

 

with modern vehicle pulling abs fuse may give you A LOT more warnings then you think.... and may disable things that you were not aware of.

 

Aren’t the 4th gen pre wired for a brake controller like the 3rd gen, since they all have the tow package (unless I missed that they don’t). On my son’s 3rd gen with the tow package it was just plug and play for the brake controller. So I would assume it be the same of the 4th gen.

 

Sadly, no.

 

Wow!!

 

Toyota sells the Off Road with a premium package for an additional $8800 that includes the brake controller system.

 

“not too concerned about local state regulations “
The above says it all. You are not concerned with laws and regs, you’re not concerned with the consequences of your actions should someone get injured or killed. Not concerned with a lot. And disconnecting the abs, that is beyond brilliant. It’s hard to believe that this is a serious post but I guess it is.
Just do it right, do the correct thing, and follow laws and regulations. In fact have a shop do the work, you probably should not be doing it.

 

It’s also standard in the upgrade package.

 

I know this is the 4th gen area. Just mentioning that my 2015 2nd gen had the tow package. It didn't come with a brake controller but was pre-wired for one (had connector under the dash and the already wired 7 pin connector out next to the hitch. What does the 4th gen come with if equipped with the tow package???

 

TBC also comes with the SR5 + Cold Weather upgrade package for $3740 on my sticker