Trailer Brake Controller Installation on 2002 Toyota Sequoia

Question:

I too have a 2002 Sequoia and just bought a small trailer. I think you may have answered all of my questions above accept for whether or not I need to tap into my brake lines. My buddy is a mechanic and wanted me to ask that question about the Sequoia. Or should I be asking the dealer? Or do I just need the kit you mentioned above? thanks

asked by: Marty S

Expert Reply:

You will not need to tap into any brake lines on your Sequoia. How you'll proceed will depend on whether the trailer has brakes and which trailer connector it has. I'll assume the trailer has electric brakes and is equipped with a 7-way trailer connector which is what's typically found on a trailer with brakes.

If your trailer has electric brakes, and you want them to actuate, you'll need to install a brake controller. I'd recommend a proportional controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. A proportional controller uses internal sensors to determine how quickly the tow vehicle is braking. It will then send the appropriate amount of braking force to the trailer brakes so that both the vehicle and trailer stop at the same rate.

To install the controller, your Sequoia will need a functional 4-pole trailer connector. You can install one using the # C55246 you mentioned. You'll then need our Brake Controller Install Kit, part # ETBC7. The kit contains everything necessary to install a controller, including an adapter that will convert the 4-pole to a 7-way.

I'll link you to the instructions for the install kit, as well as to a video showing a brake controller being installed on a 2002 Toyota Tundra (which your Sequoia is based on). As you can see in the instructions, you'll need to tap one of the wires from the brake controller into the brake stoplight switch located under the dash atop the brake pedal, but you won't need to tap into any brake lines.

expert reply by: Mike L