Trailer Brake controller?

You posted exactly what I was thinking... looking forward to having this possibly be an easy mod to the Taco!

 

I posted this in the other thread about the dash cubby. This is what the tundra controller panel looks like. I'm not sure how big the controller is behind the dash?

 

I feel like it may fit, however on the Tundra the display for it is done on the dash, the Tacoma doesn't have any provision for that, so I'm not sure if it would be fully functional without it. The Tacoma harness doesn't have any of the data bus wires going to the trailer brake like the Tundra does.

Jeff

 

Interesting. I wondered why there isn't a small screen on the Tundra controller, this explains it. I bet it won't work on the Tacoma then...

Edit: I also would like to know where the motion sensors are in the Tundra. Is the panel pictured just the control?

 

Jeff, I stand corrected....found the correct plug behind the kick plate and it powers my P2 controller. "An old dog can learn new stuff!" Thanks,

Bill

 

Installed my Prodogy P2 today, 90885-40T.

 

Someone needs to Guinea pig this so we can know if it connects to the lcd. I'm sure it won't, but we may get lucky.

 

I joined the forums because of this post (#5) and post #35 and the enlightenment it brought.....

I bought a 2016 Tacoma to tow a travel trailer and there was little help in finding out what I needed for a brake controller.... Jeff cleared it up.

There is no factory supplied harness - some people don't want or need to tow and look forward to saving that $22, so they left it out....

Jeff's diagram appears to be the same as far as the brake controller connector wiring and pin-out for the 2016 Tacoma (It worked for my tow with no issues).

You can buy the harness complete from the dealer. The dealer 2015 Tundra brake controller harness (Tekonsha 3017-P) will connect to the 2016 Tacoma with towing package -- all wiring is in place and has 7 pin connector for trailer.

The Brake controller harness in the cab is behind the drivers kick-panel, somewhat hidden behind the large cable feed towards the firewall.

I bought a cheap controller to use for now, but will install a purchased Tekonsha when it arrives.

On a side note.... Look at your insurance card and make sure it says Tacoma. My USAA policy had it listed as a Tundra. Yes the VIN was correct. The correction saved me some $$ I had to track down the weight and give them the correct name for my VIN.

 

Thanks for all of the info. I found mine this morning (kind of a booger) if I but the 3017-p harness will it work on any controller? I've got a brand tekonsha controller sitting in the box but it's 3-4 years old.

 

Jeff Lange, thanks for your help. I just bought a new Tacoma and had the same issue. Ordered a controller and harness from E trailer. Got it and went out to look for the plug where page 178 of the 2016 Tacoma owners manual says it is located. Where the owners manual points I found what looks like the diagnostic connector ( trapezoid) I looked all over the place for the right connector with no luck. behind the driver's kick plate as you said, just hooked my harness up.....Thanks again.

 

I am hoping that the 2017 Tacoma's have a factory installed brake controller in that cubby. Looks like the space is designed to fit the tundra style controller....

 

Anyone going to guinea pig the tundra style controller? Part nums?

 

I went to the dealer to get the harness and came home with a brand new P3 Tekonsha controller. Paid way too much for it (should have checked internet first!) But install was super easy and the unit looks pretty nice and is accessible. I was planning to cut the opening and make a custom flush fit in the pocket till I realized you need to have access to the bottom of the unit to operate the manual brake control. Bummer! Anyway, this is the exact same spot the old one lived in my 13' tacoma and I kinda got used to it being there and instinctively reach for it when towing, so maybe its not such a bad spot after all.

 

I've never had a truck with a brake controller (no trailers with electric brakes). I'm curious about how often you have to mess with it and when and how often you would use the manual brake control.

 

We tow a small pop-up trailer and for the most part set it and forget it. I always check the setting before we get on the road as part of my routine safety check.

 

I usually set the control once before each trip after hooking up and rarely have to mess with it. Although last summer I took it over Sonora pass (27% grade) (Yes with the Tacoma!) and it definitely needed to be boosted quite a bit for the down side. Nice thing with the P3 is there are 3 or 4 presets (can't remember which) that can be set differently and with different boost levels. Perhaps for just such an occasion. I have to look into programming this as it may be a handy feature.

I tow a 4000 lb Panther 17' travel trailer and I'm about 5500 lb loaded. When towing in town or maneuvering in a campsite it is nice to be able to use the manual control as it can be used delicately if needed. Also, on the highway it is nice to use manual control when only slight braking is needed or going down a long hill and preventing speed gain. I like to try and be kind to my tow vehicle brakes as much as possible and let the trailer do the work.

And then there is the dreaded sway, which luckily I don't think I have ever had with my current load leveling/sway control hitch set up. However, the manual for the brake control says you can use manual brake to assist in gaining control of a swaying trailer.

 

Not going to work. The controller is on the CAN network to communicate with the multi display. The Tacoma wouldn't be programmed to have the info setup in the display or setup to add it on the CAN network

 

FYI my dad got a brake controller with a 2015+ tundra harness and it plugged right in, no issues. Thanks all!

 

Is it necessary to remove the kick panel to get to the adapter? I have been feeling around for 2 days to try to find it. How does the kick panel come off?

Thanks

 

Yes, when you remove the kick panel and it is tucked in the back.