This time-delayed brake controller is designed to mount at any angle, even upside down. The controls are all up front for easy access, including a slide-bar manual override and a thumbwheel for braking output. LED indicator shows your braking status.
Features:
Specs:
The Tekonsha POD is designed to mount in any direction, and it's especially suited for mounting on near-vertical dashes. All the controls are on the front of the module, so you can still access them with the controller tucked away in a convenient place.
Braking output is the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. How much braking output you need is determined by the weight of your trailer; a heavier trailer will need more power to bring it to a stop. You want to set the braking output as high as you can without locking up the brakes. Once you've set up the brake controller the first time, you shouldn't need to adjust the settings until the trailer load changes, you switch trailers, or road conditions change. Use the thumbwheel on the side to change the braking output level. The output setting will appear as a number on the digital display, with a higher number indicating higher braking power.
The Tekonsha POD keeps the manual override within easy reach on the front of the module, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. Push the slide-bar lever to activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow vehicle, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.
Because inertia plays no role in the functioning of this controller, you do not have to mount the unit at any particular angle. Your mounting options are limitless, with the controller designed with all of the controls on the front of the module so you can access them even if it's mounted upside down.
The included custom adapter plugs into the connector on your vehicle's built-in brake control wiring harness, which is underneath your dash, to the left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal. Once you have the wiring connected to your vehicle, just plug the other end into the POD. Because there are no wires to splice, installation is not permanent. You can unplug and remove the brake controller at any time and securely stow it away.
Note: If you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle, take a look at our exclusive 7- and 4-way brake controller installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately).
The Tekonsha POD comes equipped with time-delayed braking. Every time you apply the brakes in your vehicle, a signal is sent - via the brake switch - to the POD. The controller then sends power out to your trailer brakes to activate them with an intensity set by you, at a rate determined by you. The amount of braking power (output) can be adjusted to suit your preference, the road conditions, the type of trailer, and the weight of your load. To determine which levels are best for your application, test your towing setup and choose what feels right.
Alternate Instructions
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hey everybody, Ryan here at etrailer. Today, we're gonna be taking a look at the Tekonsha PowerTrac Brake Controller. So, this will be a real good choice for those of you that are maybe just replacing an older brake controller and just wanna stick to something simple. And that's for a brake controller like this one's gonna come into play. What this is gonna do, is send power after your trailer's brakes and help keep everything safe. One of the things I like about this one is kind of how it's styled actually.
It's just a little bit different. It kind of has some different angles going on here and the face of it is flat. It's just really user-friendly. It's easy to see what's going on and easy to reach everything. You know, it's something small but goes it a long way in terms of having to live with it and use it, you know.
I'd say it's probably, overall size, it's probably medium. You know, there's some smaller, more compact ones like the Draw-Tite I-Command, for example. And then there's some little bit larger ones like the Tekonsha P3. So, it kind of falls somewhere in the middle. The thing is with this one, it is a time-delayed brake controller.
And so what that means, is it's gonna have a preset amount of power that is sent back to your brakes whenever you hit your brake pedal in your vehicle here. You know, that has some benefits and some downsides to the more modern proportional type brake controller. One of the benefits is, of the time-delayed is, you know what to expect. You know, you have the complete adjustability of how much power you wanna send back there. But you know, one of the advantages the proportional one has it's a little bit smoother, you know smoother of an experience, generally speaking.
You can usually fine-tune the time delays and be really happy with it. But just to kind of throw a brake controller in and go a proportional one's usually a little bit better. What they do is match the breaking pressure of your 4Runner. So let's say, if like you're barely hitting the brakes in here, about halfway, trailer brakes are gonna do the same thing. On the other hand, let's say emergency stop, right So you really gotta stand on that brake pedal, trailer brakes gotta do the same thing. So it's hard to argue with that, you know what I mean It's gotta match that pressure and be really predictable. So, in terms of actually living with this, I mean, super simple, you're gonna have one adjustment so you're gonna have a dial here, and you can either dial-up or dial-down the breaking intensity. So obviously when you go up and hit your brake or we'll use the manual override, just kind of amplifies a little more. You can see the color is going to indicate to you how much braking power is being applied. So green and, you know, yellowish-orange, that's light power the more power that's applied, it's gonna turn into that deep red. And that deep red is letting us know, that we have maximum power going back there. So, one of the things that you can do, whenever you get your trailer, is hook up to it, you can hit your brake pedal and dial that knob up till about orange, you know, about somewhere in the middle kind of go from there. If you feel like the breaking power's not strong enough, if the trailer's kind of wanting to push you around or you feel your car kind of struggling, you know you can always dial that up some and amplify it. If it's too much, if the brakings' too aggressive, just dial it down some. So, like I talked about earlier you can adjust this pretty good. So, you know, you find something you're happy with and you go, "All right, I'm just gonna bump it up a little bit more, see how it feels." And you can really dial that in, to your liking. And I feel like, that's why this is a pretty popular brake controller. You know, it's just so simple. I mean, anyone can figure this thing out. One of the things though, you know, nowadays there's so many of 'em available and some of them are really neat. You get a ton of options and crazy adjustability, like the P3 by Tekonsha, for example, you can do all sorts of wild things with it. You know those ones with all the bells and whistles are really kind of targeted towards people that use 'em for a living, you know, and really rely on all those different options. Something like this vehicle, you know, if you pull the same trailer, maybe two, this is gonna get you going down the road just fine. And, you know, I do just want to give you an option, maybe you don't like the look of the traditional style brake controller, where it's mounted on the dash, you know, and I don't blame you. There is options out there. One of 'em is the REDARC, and essentially the main body of the brake controller is hidden up underneath the dash where you can't see it. And the control is simply just a small knob. And it's actually really cool, I've done several of them. That's always an option for you as well. But, other than that at the end of the day if you're looking for something simple that's gotta work and you can rely on, can't really go wrong with this brake controller. And that'll finish up our look at, the Tekonsha PowerTrac Brake Controller..
Arrived as promised it was easy to install I have tried it out a couple times on my 7X16 cargo trailer. Today I think I have set it up properly for my truck and trailer at B1 at #12 boost level. It never locked up trailer brakes but I believe it is right. Installed on 2014 4x4 Tundra with 4.6 V8 etrailer sent hook up wire to fit Toyota receptacle which was behind driver side kick panel. Grounded to gas pedal bolt, mounted unit under dash on right side of steering wheel.
Great little brake controller for the money if you don't need heavy braking on a larger trailer. Simple and economic.
We have a Honda Ridgeline and needed this for our camper trailer. It was nice ordering the specific plug in wire for the Ridgeline and therefore eliminating hard wiring, just plugged it in. It was rough getting to the factory plug under the dash by the emergency brake petal switch. My hands are not small enough, ha ha. But success was had. Plugged into the controller and mounted it and u-wall-a. It works the way it is suppose to, I like that. A good quality unit that does what it is suppose to. thanks.
Very happy with this product. It fit nicely in my truck and plugged right into the factory wiring harness. Total installation time was under an hour. Easy to adjust, and works perfectly with my 5th wheel trailer. I simply pulled out the little storage cubby from the dash, cut the back off, slid the controller in, bolted it together, and stuck it all back in the dash. Looks and works great.
It would be easy to have this part order and install on the Tundra. i went one step further and end up using the wiring in the box with P3 Trailer brake and had to splice the wiring to make longer extension in order to install the P3 in the empty slot between the lighter and 12v socket which make is more customized look and out of way. Would be cool if they offer longer version for someone who want to install it somewhere else behind the driver's spot zone.
Purchased brake controller for my 2014 Tuna. excellent order/shipping/receiving time.Received everything I needed with order in a very timely fashion. Website made it very easy to find and decide on exactly what I wanted. Etrailer will be my first choice for finding the accessories I need in the future. Purchased Tekonsha P3 brake controller and is the best thing to a factory installed controller I have encountered.
Pictures of the install. Approximately a 20 min job. First picture my finger is pointing to the factory plug with the etrailer supplied harness plugged in. Note the harness did not specify that the white common with the ring terminal should be connected to ground. But then again that SHOULD be obvious. I will be towing this weekend so I will rate the product then. One minor gripe is that there is always power to the unit which is a battery drain (as evidenced with the key out of the ignition and the unit stayed on) Not sure as to the impact but the controller can always be unplugged or removed.
Sorry for the dirty floor mats in the photos.
I use this brake controller for my 2007 Tundra hauling a 6x10 dump trailer. I’m very pleased with the product, it works great. The only thing I notice is that you have to be very aware of your load, dialing in the right number for your weight. I could be at 4.8 and my trailer tires will lock up. Go down to 4.6 and they’ll be good. That’s the only thing I notice.
Perfect for 2011 lexus gx460
Easy to install in my Toyota-Tacoma 2012. I pull my Travel Trailer and this break controller worked very well and with just a little bit adjustment. Also this item was shipped very fast.
Install is very easy once you locate the vehicle's brake controller plug. The plug in a Tacoma is extremely well hidden. It is high above the driver's side kick panel taped behind a plug wrapped in foam. I have attached a photo to help you locate it in a late model Tacoma. Once I found the plug, the install took less than 20 min. The controller works great.
I have a Toyota Tacoma (06). I had the controller installed in less than five minutes. One minute to gather the tools: drill/bits, screw driver, and tape. I thought tape would be helpful to hold the ground screw to the driver given the tight are under the dash. One minute to drill the ground hole. One minute to install the ground screw. One minute to plug in the cables and fish the wire under the stirring wheel to allow for the controller to be mounted in the storage area found on Tacoma trucks dash. I guess I was wrong. It only took four minutes. I did not need to put the tools away I was off to do other projects. I rate the product as good because I have not tried it on the trailer yet.
I received my purchase very quickly.
I just installed the control and wire harness today. Installation was easy, all you need are basic hand tools and a drill with a small bit.
Haven't had chance to test it out yet but, when I do I'll update.
Worked out perfectly for me, super easy installation with adapter harness. Work's flawlessly, easy one hand gain control with control's on front. My truck had nice cubby it fit in so out of the way and seamless look. Thanks for a great product and service.
We ordered a part for the 2008 Land Cruiser and was told that it's the same installation. IT IS NOT! The connection to the harness is not in the same location as Tacoma. After looking for more than an hour, I got smart and found some info on another website. Even the manufacture has the info wrong. So, if you have a 200 series Land Cruiser, your plug is located under the dash behind the switches for the mirror. You will need to take apart the lower dash panel and then push out the switch panel. There is no need to detach any switch, it all hangs out just fine. See photos for the location of the plug. Plug the adapter in from there you can follow the instructions.
I sell and install a variety of components for various companies and individuals. I have zero comebacks from this company. Not that I haven't received defective parts but they always make it right. And that is good business.
I sell and install a variety of components for various companies and individuals. I have zero comebacks from this company. Not that I haven't received defective parts but they always make it right. And that is good business.
Thanks to etrailer’s video “Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee”, the installation of a Tekonsha PowerTrac controller on my 2003 Jeep was very straight forward (and I’m not a car guy!). Like in the video, I used the wiring kit (#5506). I forgot to order a pigtail wiring harness but was able to pick one up locally. Took the trailer out last weekend and the brakes worked great.
The controller was a great option for our 2021 forest river FSX and gave me plenty of control over the brakes. It does require a adjustment time to time but has always worked when brakes are applied. The setup and installation were a breeze and has worked for many trips.
After a year of use in our Lexus GX460, it's been working flawlessly. Easy to install and use. Literally, plug and play.
Have used the power track for a year with city and interstate travel and a 4000# single axle TT. Working flawlessly on my 20 Blazer using a bypass stoplight switch.
The control works great. Nice incremental application of wheel from nothing to hard on! Led light goes from green to red also in incremental degrees. Installation was a snap in my 2008 F150 with tow package. Just Plug in the control clip and the other end in the terminal above and to the right of the computer check terminal. Rather than have it below my dash I opted for the cove below the lighter. Etrailer did a nice job of getting out to me right away and kept me informed where this was at all the way to my door. Good Job!
Installed P3 this weekend in 2013 Tundra Crewmax with towing package and pre-wire. Extremely easy, even with the center console installation. Will let the photos tell the story. Did have to combine the P3 included harness with the additional OEM harness to gain the length I needed. Plug and play with the pre-wire. Hooked up to trailer and set boost levels for varying loads. Works great! Vast improvement over older model Tekonsha controller in my Ram 2500 Diesel. Pull a Kiefer BP horse trailer: about 3600 lbs empty, 7500 with 3 quarter horses and gear. Usually pull 6-8 times per year, with only 1-2 horses. Short distance and flat terrain. It took about an hour to install. Dad is a retired USAF/FAA radar technician with every tool known to man. He QC'd the job. Will try to write better review later.
Easy to install. Owners manual had location of factory plug and we installed the entire system in less than an hour. We used the removable bracket so the unit can be stored in the case that was included with the controller when not towing so it is completely out of the way of the drivers legs and knees. We are a collision repair shop and I would rate the ease of installation as relatively easy if you just use common sense and consider wiring location and controller location BEFORE drilling holes in the plastic lower dash cover. Also need to be mindful on the lower air bag that protects the drivers legs in a serious collision and the routing of the wires if you install it on the right side of the steering wheel. We used wire ties and a small plastic wire holder to place the wiring in a secure place that does not rub through the wire insulation or get snagged by the drivers feet. See the attached photos. All work was performed in slightly less than one hour.
The brake controller we purchased and had professionally installed works perfectly. We had it installed in our RV for use when towing a large vehicle trailer. It's reliable and simple. It was a great purchase!
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