How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2018 Toyota Highlander

Question

Question:

I have a 2018 Toyota Highlander with a factory tow package. My problem is the car came with wiring for lights only using a four pin plug for trailer lights. I need to install a trailer brake control but the car needs to be hardwired for the brake control. Please help. The manual says do not splice trailer light wiring.

asked by: Nan

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Expert Reply:

I have the perfect option to add a 7-way and trailer brake controller to your 2018 Toyota Highlander and it will not require any splicing into the factory trailer light wiring so it will not void the warranty in regards to this aspect. For this, I recommend our Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller part # TK94FR which installs on the trailer and does not require any modifications to the tow vehicle. It uses radio frequency and can easily be transferred to different tow vehicles.

The only requirement of the Prodigy RF is that the tow vehicle has a functioning 7-way trailer connector with 12 volt power. In order to add this to your Highlander I recommend using the Universal Installation Kit part # ETBC7. Once you attach the 4-ways together the only other wires you need to run is the 12 volt hole lead to the battery with a circuit breaker placed 6" from the positive terminal and the ground wire. The rest of the wires can be taped off and secured under the vehicle.

The above combinations of parts is going to be the least invasive way to add a working brake controller on your Highlander. I have attached an install video on a similar 2013 model for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

You asked a lot of great questions so I'll answer them in the order they were asked. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195 to install on your 2018 Toyota Highlander. This proportional…

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Answer 2

For your 2018 Toyota Highlander with factory tow package I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195. This is a proportional controller that will apply your trailer brakes at the same time and with the same amount of…

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Answer 3

The newest Toyota Highlander we've installed a brake controller in is a 2014 model. I attached the install video to this page to show you the processs. The 2014 and 2018 Highlanders are the same generation though so what you see in the install…

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Answer 4

The custom trailer wiring harness for your 2018 Toyota Highlander with the tow package is part #HM11141825; however, it's only a 4-way connector. To get a 7-way on your Highlander start with the #HM11141825 4-way and then use our #ETBC7 kit to…

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Answer 5

I do have a handy trailer wiring FAQ article that would be perfect for you. I have included a link to it. I have also included a picture that shows the typical wiring diagram of a 7-Way round pin trailer side connector. As you can see, the 7-way…

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Answer 6

If your old axles have a 5 bolt brake flange the assemblies like Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-105 or Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-106 will…

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Answer 7

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 10

If your vehicle has a factory brake controller plug, you can simply use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers – Ford, Item #3034-P, which will connect to the vehicle plug and the brake controller. On the new E-450…

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Answer 11

To tow your trailer that uses an RV style 7-way blade style connector with your semi that has a 7-pin connector, you need to construct an adapter that will also combine the brake signal into the right and left directional signal pins. This can be…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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