Recommendation for an electric brake controller?

[JaneM.]

Thanks all. I had sinus surgery yesterday but will check to see what exists - hopefully tomorrow. I know the hitch receiver came with the tundra originally and that there is wiring there, but I don't know if it's 4 or 7 pin. I'll check and update tomorrow.

[JaneM.]

We have the 4 pin plug next to the hitch. According to etrailer we need this: http://www.etrailer.com/p-ETBC7.html and one of these: 2000 Toyota Tundra Trailer Wiring Harness | etrailer.com and the brake controller (such as: 2000 Toyota Tundra Brake Controllers with Custom Fit Wiring Harness | etrailer.com). I'm not up for talking on the phone yet, but if anyone can verify that this is correct, I'd sure appreciate it. It looks like someone would need to know what they were doing to install something like this.
thanks,
Jane

[ThomasE]

Originally Posted by P. Raz

While mine came with a 4 pin socket, I know some came with a 7 pin and hitch. I always assumed those had a brake controller pigtail under the dash. Did Toyota leave the brake pin on the 7 pin connector unused? Imagine paying all that money for a factory hitch and then discovering it was going to cost you more!

From the factory, at least for 2000 and 2001, I don't believe there was a 7-pin wiring harness available, it was a 4-flat only with factory tow hitch. If the truck did have a 7-pin, it could have been dealer added, a port added option, or the owner added it aftermarket.

[ThomasE]

Jane, you don't need the "Trailer Wiring Harness - 2000 Toyota Tundra" since you said you have a 4-flat plug next to your hitch. You might want to get a multimeter or a test light to check that the plug actually works just to be sure. You definitely need the brake controller. And the first item, the conversion kit, conveniently has everything else you need to convert to a 7 pin plug. I didn't use a kit, I just cut off my 4 flat and ran the extra wires, bought the extra stuff that I needed to hook up a new plug.

Originally Posted by JaneM.

We have the 4 pin plug next to the hitch. According to etrailer we need this: Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit - 10 Gauge etrailer Brake Controller ETBC7 and one of these: 2000 Toyota Tundra Trailer Wiring Harness | etrailer.com and the brake controller (such as: 2000 Toyota Tundra Brake Controllers with Custom Fit Wiring Harness | etrailer.com). I'm not up for talking on the phone yet, but if anyone can verify that this is correct, I'd sure appreciate it. It looks like someone would need to know what they were doing to install something like this.
thanks,
Jane

[JaneM.]

Originally Posted by ThomasE

Jane, you don't need the "Trailer Wiring Harness - 2000 Toyota Tundra" since you said you have a 4-flat plug next to your hitch. You might want to get a multimeter or a test light to check that the plug actually works just to be sure. You definitely need the brake controller. And the first item, the conversion kit, conveniently has everything else you need to convert to a 7 pin plug. I didn't use a kit, I just cut off my 4 flat and ran the extra wires, bought the extra stuff that I needed to hook up a new plug.

I will make sure it works, thank you. Was it easy to do? Would a general handy person be able to do it (with the conversion kit) or should I take it to a specialist? thanks!

[ThomasE]

Whether it's easy or hard depends on your skill level and if you've done auto wiring before. It's not complicated work, but I remember it took me a lot of time.

Some of the things I found hard was, I had to drill through the firewall to run the blue brake wire, +12, and ground wires into the passenger compartment to the brake controller. On the driver's side kick panel, there's a big bundle of wires, you have to locate the brake "signal" wire to tap into for the controller. I added in a relay to the +12 output on the 7 pin plug, so that it would only supply current when I had a key in the ignition (this prevents the trailer from draining your truck battery when the truck is not running). You'll also have to run the extra wires wires from the tow hitch area, along the frame of the truck, up into the engine compartment, to the battery, and to the passenger compartment. Plus you'll need to mount the actual brake controller itself, I took out my ashtray and put the controller there. Now that I think about it, it really took up my whole weekend!

[JaneM.]

Originally Posted by ThomasE

Now that I think about it, it really took up my whole weekend!

I think I'll pay to have it done! Thanks!

[JaneM.]

One hopefully final question - it seems that the wiring kit (Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit - 10 Gauge etrailer Brake Controller ETBC7 ) is designed for someone who is going to do it themselves and that a professional who would install a brake controller would have these parts. Does anyone know if that is correct? I don't mind buying the kit, but it might save some money (or not!) not to.
thanks!

[Carol H]

The person who did mine had the parts but you might want to check with the person you are hiring as to what they plan on charging you for them.

[Laura & Rick]

Originally Posted by JaneM.

One hopefully final question - it seems that the wiring kit (Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit - 10 Gauge etrailer Brake Controller ETBC7 ) is designed for someone who is going to do it themselves and that a professional who would install a brake controller would have these parts. Does anyone know if that is correct? I don't mind buying the kit, but it might save some money (or not!) not to.
thanks!

You are correct, the kit is for the DIY'er. Any good professional would have all the necessary parts required to do the job.

[Joe Z]

Originally Posted by JaneM.

One hopefully final question - it seems that the wiring kit (Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit - 10 Gauge etrailer Brake Controller ETBC7 ) is designed for someone who is going to do it themselves and that a professional who would install a brake controller would have these parts. Does anyone know if that is correct? I don't mind buying the kit, but it might save some money (or not!) not to.
thanks!

That is the exact same kit i purchased to install myself in a newer ford van that did not have the plug and play setup for a seven pin plug...... the double 10 gauge wire is a must. The person that is doing the installation may have all these parts already and have no need for yours so just print out that page with the supplies and ask if they would like you to purchase it. Like the previous poster it took me all weekend to install and run the wiring and i knew also what i was doing.... it's definitely a good kit for the installation.
Joe

[JaneM.]

Thank you all! I've ordered the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 (I would have been fine with the P2, but the P3 was on special for $101 - $114 wish shipping to CA if anyone is interested from rvpartsoutlet.com).

[Darnelle]

Hi Jane,
I paid just $38 for mine at Amazon.com and it doesn't need to be installed horizontally -- any postion is fine. I've been very happy with it, but then I've never had a brake controller before. I'll look at it tomorrow for brand & model. I think there are optional plug-n-play pigtails for it as well, but neither of my vehicles were designed for plug-n-play so I had to wire it myself.

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by JaneM.

Hello All,
We've found our TV - a 2000 Toyota Tundra V8 with the tow package and so we now need an electric brake controller.

Hi Jane,
I'd sugest the P3. More than you need for an egg - but for the few extra $ it will cover anything you may ever want to tow or tow with. I got a good deal from Mantelli Trailers that sold it with an extra mounting bracket and wiring kit.

Keep in mind, that you may change TV's or trailers in the future and this one covers just about everthing. Even though it may be overkill for your current needs, it suits mine quite nicely both now and in the future.
Roy

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by JaneM.

Thank you all! I've ordered the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 (I would have been fine with the P2, but the P3 was on special for $101 - $114 wish shipping to CA if anyone is interested from rvpartsoutlet.com).

Hi, Jane!

Maybe you already know about this, but in case you don't...
When putting in the wiring you might think about installing a battery isolator under the hood of your tow vehicle. It's an inexpensive addition, and it shuts down (only) the T.V. charge line power connection to the trailer when your ignition is off. (Trailer battery still works).
No dead T.V. battery if parked with trailer hooked up!

Francesca

[Darnelle]

Good point Francesca! I installed one, friend did not. I've never had a dead battery due to trailer hooked up while sitting, he has.

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by JaneM.

I'd be nervous about installing it myself! Hopefully it's not expensive to have it installed.

Jane,

After a closer look...
You may have other issues with your vehicle wiring.
Did you get a manual with your Casita? If not, you can download one for free (personal use only-no sharing!) at http://www.casitaforum.com/invboard/...h__1#entry3643
You have to join their forum to see the posts, docs, etc.
The manual shows your Casita plug as equipped with both charging and backup light pins in addition to those for brakes and taillights.
The 4-flat plug you describe as part of the "factory tow package" on your Tundra suggests to me that your vehicle lacks not just a brakepower line, it also needs a charging line and a backup light connection. These (and isolator) should be installed at the same time as your brake controller wiring if you expect the above functions.
My recommendation is to have this work done professionally as wiring problems can emerge very mysteriously once you start fooling around with the systems, and you'll have a go-back-to if something malfunctions down the road.
Or, heaven forbid, ON the road!

Francesca

[Greg H]

I don't even think 4 pins support a brake setup.

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by Greg H

I don't even think 4 pins support a brake setup.

Good catch, Greg!

I meant to make that point- I went back to the post and tried to make it clearer.


Francesca

[Joe Z]

4 pin controls blinkers/hazards, running lights, brake lights and a ground wire....that's it
It (the 4 pin) lacks a brake control wire and positive charging wire and optional back-up (acc) wire.
Two twelve gauge wires will have to be run from the front of the vehicle to the rear plug (7 pin) for the brakes and positive (+) charge wire. The extra (7th) center pin is for backup lights or whatever you may want (most don't use it)
Joe