Parts Needed to Install Brake Controller 2018 Toyota Highlander with Aftermarket 7-Way

Question:

I recently purchased a 2018 Toyota Highlander LE Plus. It has the tow package. Toyota installed my hitch with a 4 pin connector the day after i purchased it. My trailer an pull up to 5000 lbs. My pop up trailer is a 7 pin. I was upset about it and they say that’s standard installation and they don’t install 7 pins on Highlander. Toyota service dept says i don’t need a brake controller installed. We purchased a 4 to 7 pin converter that my own mechanic got us. However i want to ensure I don’t need a brake controller installed. How can I confirm my car already has a brake controller?

asked by: Ana

Expert Reply:

A 2018 Toyota Highlander would not have come with a factory brake controller as that is not a factory option. Even more so if the vehicle only had a 4-way installed from the factory. That said we can help you wire a brake controller to your current aftermarket 7-way.

For a wiring kit to install the brake controller to the 7-way you would want the Wiring Kit for 2 and 4 Brake Electric Brake Controllers # 5506. This will provide the power source and ground for the wiring for the brake controller. You will need to test the wires from the brake pedal switch of your vehicle to find a circuit that has voltage when the brakes are applied and none when not applied. This will be the circuit you will run the red wire to.

Finally you will need to run a length of 10 gauge wire (part # 10-1-1) from the brake output circuit of the controller to the brake output circuit of the 7-way (blue wire). The # 10-1-1 is sold by the foot so you will need to order a quantity of the amount of feet you will need.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. This will be the last brake controller you buy. It can easily be transferred to future vehicles as well.