How To Install a 7-Way on a 2013 Toyota Tacoma with Brake Controller Port

Question:

I have a standard cab Tacoma 2013 , 4cyl. I have a trailer that has electric brakes. I have the connector above the emergency brake to connect to the brake controller but the truck did not come equipped with a light harness or hitch. I put a 4 pole trailer light harness on and a reese hitch. I need of coarse a 7 pole. I have the adaptor that allows me to hook up to the 7 pole btw. What do I need to buy/install to use my trailer brakes? The video is confusing because it says if you have the connector above your parking brake, your truck had a tow package installed.

asked by: Brian F

Helpful Expert Reply:

If your 2013 Toyota Tacoma came with a factory brake controller port then the rest of the wires you need to hook up to the 7-way (12 volt power and brake output) should already be ran to the rear of the vehicle, under the bumper and near the spare tire. However, we have not yet had the chance to install a 7-way on a 2013 Toyota Tacoma with this same setup so I would not have any exact locations to look for these wires. Therefore, it will take some digging as well as testing with a circuit tester. Once you find these wires and have tested them to confirm they are correct then you can use a 7-way adapter like the one you have or the Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole part # 37185 which is my favorite because it comes with a mounting bracket as well as the extra wires and connectors you need to make the above connections. There may or may not be fuses or relays needed to activate the above circuits prior to testing so be sure to check this first.

If you can't find the above 12 volt power and brake output circuits under your truck then your only other option would be to run the circuits yourself and in order to do this you will want to use the Curt Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller part # C57186. I know you said you already have the 7-way adapter but this kit comes with everything else you need to not only connect the 7-way to the battery/brake controller but also to power the brake controller. I have attached an install video on this option for you.

Regardless of the above, you will also need a brake controller if you don't already have one and for this I recommend Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller part # RED44FR. The Tow-Pro Elite is very similar in design to a factory trailer brake controller. There is a control box that gets installed under the dash, out of sight and then a control knob that gets mounted on your dash wherever you prefer. This will provide a very clean look and will allow you to mount it in many different locations whereas standard brake controllers like the P2 or P3 will need to be in a certain position/angle. The other nice feature of this brake controller is that you can switch between proportional and a user-controlled mode which I am not aware of any other brake controller that can. If you find the wires under the truck then you can use the plug under you dash with the Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers part # 3040-P and # 331-TPH-017.