What Parts are Needed to Tow With a 2003 Toyota Tundra

Question:

Hi, I recently purchased a 2003 Toyota Tundra that is equipped with a 4 pin connector. I want to be able to tow so was wondering what do I need to add in addition to a hitch? I know that I'll need a ball mount and hitch ball, and a brake controller. Anything else? Transmission cooler? 4 to 7 adapter?

asked by: Ray F

Expert Reply:

In addition to a hitch like # 13184, I would recommend ballmount # C45010, as this would put your hitch ball at the most common trailer height.

For a more exact ballmount fit, you can measure from the ground to a point just below your bumper. Then, with the trailer level, measure from the ground to the bottom, flat part of the trailer coupler. The difference between the two measurements would be your required rise or drop. For example, if the measurement to the trailer coupler is 19 inches, and the measurement to the underside of your bumper is 22 inches, you would need a ballmount with a 3 inch drop.

A 2 inch hitch ball like # 19247 would be the most common ball size, but you would need to make sure this is the ball diameter your particular trailer would use. The ball size is normally stamped on the trailer coupler.

I have included links to all the compatible ballmounts and hitch balls we offer, in case the ones I have recommended will not work for your needs.

You will also need a hitch pin or lock to hold the ballmount in your hitch. I recommend hitch lock # e98880, as it screws flush against the hitch opening for superior theft deterrence.

If the trailer has electric brakes, a brake controller will definitely be needed. I recommend the Prodigy brake controller # 90885, as it will include a pigtail you will use to hardwire the brake controller to your 2003 Toyota Tundra. The pigtail features 4 wires.

The 4 brake controller wire functions are:

White: Ground, attached to a clean piece of unpainted metal.
Black: 12v lead, attached to the vehicle's positive battery terminal with a 40amp circuit breaker.
Blue: Electric brakes, attached to the blue electric brake wire on the 6 or 7-way plug.
Red: Stoplight switch, normally located directly off the vehicle's brake pedal.

I would also recommend using brake controller installation kit # ETBC7. This will adapt your 4-way plug to a 7-way, and it will include the circuit breakers, additional wire, and various connectors to install the brake controller and adapter on your vehicle. I have included a link to a video demonstrating how the # ETBC7 kit would be installed on a similar vehicle.

A transmission cooler is not always necessary, but you can install one to alleviate some strain on your truck while towing. If the trailer has electric brakes, you will probably need a class III or class IV transmission cooler, depending on the trailer weight.

Safety chains like part # 2118-348-04 would also be a good addition to your towing setup.

If your trailer weighs up to 6000 pounds, I would recommend transmission cooler # D13502. If the trailer weighs more than 6000 pounds, I would recommend transmission cooler # D13504. I have included a link to some information on transmission coolers, and an installation video, if needed.