Trailer brake controller when towing 4500 lbs?

I'm planning to buy a 7' x 16' dual axle utility trailer to pull a 1600 lb side by side + a 700 lb ATV, which I'm guessing would weight a total of 4000 - 4500 lbs. Do I need to plan on adding a electric brake controller to my 07 DC TRD O/R 4x4 with the factory tow package?

 

Yes it would be wise if the trailer has electric brakes. With that much weight trailer brakes will make a huge difference especially if you ever decide/need to haul the max capacity.

 

Yea, some of the trailers have one axle with a brake and some trailers have both axles with brakes.

 

Might even be a legal requirement.
California requires trailer brakes on anything over 3500

 

YES!

They help a lot.

I have the Primus IQ. Works nice.

And if you have the tow package it is super easy to install.


http://www.tekonsha.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=2&parentid=1400&catID=1435 &part=0




Primus™ IQ


A totally proportional electric trailer brake control, the new Primus®IQ is self-leveling so no level adjustment is necessary.
Utilizing the primary sensor technology from Prodigy®, the Primus®IQ now includes the “Boost” feature that gives users the ability to apply more initial trailer braking when towing heavier trailers. It works proportionally in reverse for backing into tough spots and includes a snap-in dash mounting clip and removable electrical connector that allows the unit to be quickly stored when not in use. You will appreciate the digital readout depicting a secure electrical connection, amount of voltage delivery to the trailer brakes and diagnostic features incorporated in the LED display.
Utilizes “Plug-N-Play” port for 2-plug adapters
Self-diagnostics features will illuminate LED readout when issues occur
Includes a “Boost” feature
Works proportionally in reverse
Snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware included
Digital LED readout
Limited lifetime warranty

 

Also get a scangauge so you can keep track of your transmission temperatures. It heats up fast with a trailer.

 

Laws vary, here in BC you are required to have trailer brakes over 2000lbs, but terrain is factor I would suppose. That said, I'd be sure you have a 4 brake system on a tandem trailer, and a good controller. Someone will still cut you off or pull out right in front of you even if they see that you are towing, and you'll be glad to have all the brakes you can get. It will save your truck brakes too.

 

If your trailer has electric brakes - definitely do it

Having electric brakes is SO nice. I tow a 24' toy hauler, double axle with electric brakes.

 

Give it up DHK... you're wrong and you know it. (Edit: Dammit, I know I should have quoted him, he deleted his post)

Example: 2012 Doublecab 4x4 Long Bed

Long bed is 4,190 Curb
GVWR is 5,450, GCVWR is 11,100

Payload is 1,260.
Subtract tongue weight from that, but we'll come back to that.

Payload is 1,260 to hit the truck's GVWR.

GCVWR is 11,100, so with ONLY the truck... no passengers or cargo, the towing capacity of the truck is clear at 6,500 (actually 6,910 is under gross combined).

Two passengers and you're now taking 400 pounds off of that. Your towing capacity is down to 6,510, and you haven't filled the tank or added your luggage, kids, and the dog.

With the truck loaded to it's GVWR, which is 5,450, you have only 5,650 left for the trailer. Assuming 10% tongue load, a 6500lb trailer puts 650 on the hitch, which only moves that 5650 up to 6300 total for the trailer.

 

I purchased a Prodigy of a friend and have a harness question. The controller came with a harness. I can't find the connector under the dash that will fit it. Is the Prodigy harness universal for all trucks or do i need to get a Tacoma harness from my dealer (bought truck used). Here is a pic.

 

Tacomas with the tow package come brand new with a pig-tail in the glove box that clips in under the dash, and then splices into the controller harness. If this pig tail is no where in your truck you can get one from the dealership as far as I know.

 

Here is a pic of the harness that came with the Prodigy. So I can't use this harness, I have to get one from the dealer?

 

Nevermind, I went to Tekonsha's website and I'm going to need their specific connector for a Tacoma. My friend originally had planned to use this on his Avalanche, so I have the Chevrolet plug instead of Toyota... FYI, anyone else that runs into this, you need the Tekonsha 3040-P plug.

 

That is a plug for a different vehicle.