Do I Need Brake Controller For 1999 Toyota Tacoma Towing 2500 lb Trailer w/ Electric Brakes

Question:

Hello, I have a 99 V6 Toyota Tacoma that is rated to pull 5000 lbs with a Class III hitch I just installed. I have hooked up the lights and signals with a four prong connector and they all work. However I just bought an 83 King of the Road travel trailer that weighs roughly 2500 lbs and has a 6 prong connector and trailer brakes. However my Tacoma is not wired to control the trailer brakes. How much might it cost to wire my truck for brakes and 12 V battery and do you think it is absolutely necessary? Might I do damage to the trucks frame just driving normally without brakes? Thanks

asked by: Jesse D

Expert Reply:

If the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) of the trailer you are towing is half or more of the tow vehicles Gross Vehicle Weight, it is recommended to use a brake controller. Most states even require that a brake controller be used. I would recommend installing a brake controller for braking power and certainly for safety.

Since your 1999 Tacoma has a 4-way and the trailer has a 6-way connector, to install a brake controller, you will need to use the Brake Controller 6 and 4 Way Installation Kit, part # ETBC6. This kit will connect to the the brake controller and your existing vehicle battery.

For a brake controller, I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885, for ease of setup and very user friendliness. The P2 is a proportional brake controller, so it will apply stopping power to the trailer brakes in proportion to the braking force applied of the tow vehicle.

I have linked instructions and a video installation of the Brake Controller 6 and 4 Way Installation Kit, part # ETBC6. Also linked are FAQ articles on brake controllers. The video shows the kit being used on a 2008 Tacoma, but the procedure would be the same for your truck.

expert reply by: Reno H