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Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: Carl on July 02, 2018, 10:42:14 AM

Title: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Carl on July 02, 2018, 10:42:14 AM: I bought a small camper trailer and evidently, I don’t have a Trailer Brake Controller. I have a 2017 Tacoma Limited (4WD). It has the towing package that includes 4 & 7 pin connectors w/ converter, and trailer Sway control (TSC). I’m quoting.

So, the trailer folks want $280 to install a Trailer Brake Controller. My question is, can I just buy one and plug it into the connector I have pictured? It’s under the dash on the left side of steering column.

I’m sure I left out pertinent information, so please let me know what I can clarify.

Thanks so much for any help – I would like to save some money!

Carl
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Buckmark on July 02, 2018, 10:48:01 AM: That is the DLC, (Data link connector) for accessing the PCM, not for your brake/trailer system.
There should already be a brake system connector under the dash for a controller, no cutting or splicing required on newer vehicles. I am not sure where or what it looks like but the controller or controller manufacture should have that info or even the dealer.
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: 724wd on July 02, 2018, 10:50:35 AM: buy the controller and look up online where you plug is. took me 5 minutes on my '05 tundra. pigtail was taped up under the kick panel. had to remove the sill plate and kick panel, but that's easy.
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Bofire on July 02, 2018, 10:51:56 AM: My old pickup needed a controller, there is a plug in for it BUT you also needed a fuse under the hood and two wires connected by the fuse box to make the trailer batteries charge from your truck. If that price includes the controller I'd just do it.
Carl
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Special T on July 02, 2018, 11:03:58 AM: 6 Robles Carries everything you need

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Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Carl on July 02, 2018, 11:09:55 AM: After a little more research, I found out the plug I'm looking for in tucked in the side panel.

I'll check on the fuse.

Does anyone have a recommendation on which one I should buy? I see even Walmart carries them!

Thanks,
Carl
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Buckmark on July 02, 2018, 11:29:53 AM: Your 7 pin should be already to go so no checking or adding anything (fues etc)

I have a Genesis controller in my rig, has worked great for everything i have towed for years :twocents:
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: NRA4LIFE on July 02, 2018, 12:53:05 PM: My '02 Sierra had the pigtail in the center console box. I went with a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 a little over 5 years ago. The guys where I bought it from printed out the wiring diagram for me and I installed in maybe a half hour max. They tested it for me after I installed it also. I liked the option of being able to switch from Electric over hydraulic or pure electric as I have both (they may all have that option, I don't know).
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Carl on July 02, 2018, 01:05:43 PM: The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller is about $125.

The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller is around $105.

Should I stay away from the cheaper ones? I think the max weight I'll be towing is 5,000lbs.
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: NRA4LIFE on July 02, 2018, 01:50:56 PM: Carl,

I tow as much as 9000 with no problem. It's a 2500 HD.
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: follow maggie on July 02, 2018, 03:06:39 PM: Anything from Tekonsha will do a good job for you.
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: baker5150 on July 02, 2018, 03:36:45 PM: Quote from: follow maggie on July 02, 2018, 03:06:39 PM
Anything from Tekonsha will do a good job for you.

:yeah:

Get a Prodigy and buy once.
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Special T on July 02, 2018, 04:37:03 PM: Quote from: baker5150 on July 02, 2018, 03:36:45 PM
Quote from: follow maggie on July 02, 2018, 03:06:39 PM
Anything from Tekonsha will do a good job for you.

:yeah:

Get a Prodigy and buy once.
I've owned several and never been disappointed. Each of the 5 I've owned have lasted the life of the truck and LOTS of towing.

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Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: 280ackley on July 02, 2018, 05:57:38 PM: I have a Tekonsha P3 that I took out of my Trundra before I sold it I'll sell for $50. PM me if interested
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Carl on July 02, 2018, 08:13:17 PM: Quote from: 280ackley on July 02, 2018, 05:57:38 PM
I have a Tekonsha P3 that I took out of my Trundra before I sold it I'll sell for $50. PM me if interested

PM sent. :tup:
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: biggfish on July 03, 2018, 12:35:31 AM: I used to install towing equipment sold lots of prodigy and genesis. The few change outs I've done were from prodigy to genesis. The hardest part for you after deciding which controler will be where to mount it.

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Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: SniperDanWA on July 04, 2018, 11:58:35 AM: Quote from: Carl on July 02, 2018, 01:05:43 PM
The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller is about $125.

The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller is around $105.

Should I stay away from the cheaper ones? I think the max weight I'll be towing is 5,000lbs.

I have the Tekonsha P3. Works great. I pull a utility trailer, 12’ and a 24’ Travel Trailer.
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Special T on July 04, 2018, 01:00:11 PM: I'm pretty sure the P3 is only necessary for triple axle trailers 2c

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Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: Carl on July 05, 2018, 11:30:05 AM: Thanks everyone for the information. :tup:

I bought 280ackley's Brake Controller. As BigFish said, the hard part is mounting in the right spot!

280ackley - was a great guy to deal with if anyone has future trades.

Carl
Title: Re: Trailer Brake Controller Help
Post by: 280ackley on July 05, 2018, 04:27:32 PM: Thanks Carl, it was nice meeting you too.