Towing a pop up with 7 pin harness (Brake Controller Installed)

So here in Texas its getting really cold (mid 80's so winter jackets are coming out haha) and the in laws have a nice pop up trailer they are letting us use since the sold the truck they were towing with. Now my truck is a 04 V6 4X4 and it only has the 4-pin harness and this trailer has the brakes with the 7-pin harness. The unloaded weight of the trailer is 1740lbs with a GWVR of 2400lbs so I am within spec to tow it with the Tacoma except the dang trailer wiring.

From what I have searched here I would need a brake controller of some sort to convert to 7 pin but I have no idea if I am even on the right track here. Anyone ever done a 7-pin harness install on the Tacoma, and if so what parts did you have to buy?

--Dan

 

Well if you don't want to rewire your truck you could get a 7pin adapter. This silly converts the 4pin at the plug near your bumper.http://m.autozone.com/autozone-mobi...ectrical-adapter/_/N-25wp?location=&id=381641

Or you can use the same and add a brake controller like this
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional





965 reviews


Code: 90195

Retail: $195.16

Price: $144.15

• Brake Controller
• Proportional Controller
• Electric
• Electric over Hydraulic
• Digital Display
• Vehicle Mount

• 2 - 8 Brakes
• Automatic Leveling
• 360 Degrees
• Tekonsha

 

They may have a wiring adapter for your specific truck if your truck has wiring options. Maybe not if your truck did not come with tow package.

 

I only use 7 pin plugs on all my vehicles .

I connect to the right turn signal in the right tail light housing

 

Go to your local tractor supply and check for an adapter

 

So this adapter

$26 Hopkins Towing Solutions Hastings Premium Filters 47205 Taillight Adapter - 4-Flat to 7-Blade Round

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Q7C1C...lid=2W0MVBHBHCWD7&coliid=I3E33N26Y6FEUU&psc=1 all it does is just power the trailer lights am I correct? The other three wires (blue - brake controller, back - 12v batt, white - ground) if they are not hooked up the trailer braking won't work, it will basically be just like a 4-pin in a 7-pin housing?

--Dan

 

Correct.

 

If you want the brakes to work you will have to buy a brake controller to wire into that harness also.

It would be wise to get a bracket to mount the 7 pin plug on also.

 

Much thanks everyone, I have ordered the harness adapter and the brake controller Bullfrog suggested. Now I need to brush up on towing safely, last time I towed a trailer was ages ago.

--Dan

 

Just take your time and don't be in a rush. Remember there's something extra behind you. Especially when changing lanes or making turns. I'm sure you will be fine.

 

Agreed great comments medic.

 

Exit ramps can be alittle interesting

Also remember it is going to take longer to stop .

Increase your following distance quite a bit

 

I took my truck to the local u-haul store. They installed a 7 pin with brake controller for around $200-250 in about 2 hours. Sometimes I just leave stuff like this up to the experts.

 

I went to u-haul but all they had was a time delay brake controller... I prefer a inertia controlled one (proportional I think is the official name), they cost more but in my opinion well worth it. I am sure other people will have their own opinions about this.

--Dan

 

Another question. If you have the 7pin do you still need a separate brake controller. Or does the taco with tow package already have it built in?

 

I may not be the best to answer that but you don't need it but then you will only have trailer lights and no trailer brakes. I would rather spend the extra money now to have the trailer slow down with the truck instead of the truck doing all the braking. Just my $0.02

--Dan

 

Harness is built in in a sense but you still need the small foot or so long harness that may be in glovebox to connect to your chosen controller. Or buy the adapter from your controllers maker for splice free variety.

 

Ok thanks

 

I thought this was second gen. Idk about first gen

 

If you dont add a controller you wont have trailer brakes. If the truck is prewired youll just need to attachh the pigtail to the controller and plug it in. If its not factory wired youll have to run a couple wires. The only trucks ive seen roll off the lot with a controler are trucks basically intended as tow rigs, f250 class and better.


Timed controllers are everywhere and pretty low on the food chain. All the do is monitor how long your brake light is on and ramp up breaking power. You'll have 0 brakes in a panic stop and full brakes non stop in bumper to bumper traffic.

After that, pendulum based inertia. These need to be mounted correctly or the pendulum won't swing correctly and the brakes won't work correctly. Braking in turns may be affected as well. But the harder you brake the further the swing, the greater the braking.

The more modern inertia units can be mounted just about anywhere, any angle. They have internal sensors, again the greater the braking, the stronger they brake.

Then you have the actual proportionals, they monitor how hard you're on the pedal and adjust based on your actual input, not sensing the effect and responding after.

Price wise for new, about $30 to 500+. If you tow for a living, the last cafegory is for you. Once a decade, still skip the timed units.