How to Activate Boat Trailer Surge Brake Lockout from the Factory 7-Way on a 2012 Toyota Tacoma
Question:
I have a load rite flat 5 pin connector from my boat trailer and the Tacoma has a seven pin connector. I purchased a 7 pin to 4 and five pin flat adapter. The trailer has surge brakes I would like to hook up. Toyota provided me with a connector for the brakes but Im not sure how to splice into the reverse light wire on my vehicle.
asked by: Tom
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you have a factory 7-Way connector on your 2012 Toyota Tacoma and that you also have the dealer supplied electric brake controller wiring harness for wiring an electric brake controller in the cab of your vehicle.
Since your boat trailer is equipped with surge brakes, you will not need to install an electric brake controller in the cab of your Tacoma.
The first thing you should do is check the center pole, see photo, in the 7-Way connector on your vehicle with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. The center pole should show power when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Be sure to have the emergency brake applied and someone in the vehicle holding the brake, for safety. The key must be in the on position, but the engine need not be running.
If you have power at the center pole in the 7-Way connector when the vehicle is in reverse, then you do not need to do any additional wiring on the Tacoma.
Next, if the vehicle 7-Way is working, check the adapter you purchased, part # A75TB. The adapter should show power on the outer post opposite the ground post when installed in the vehicle 7-Way and the vehicle is in reverse, see attached photo. If not the adapter is not working correctly and would need to be replaced.
If the adapter is working correctly you will need to be sure that the 5-Way connector on your trailer is wired correctly to the electric lockout solenoid, like part # T4748800, that is in line with the master cylinder and trailer brake lines. Make sure the correct wire from the trailer connector is routed to the power wire for the solenoid and that the solenoid is correctly grounded to the trailer frame and that the ground wire from the trailer connector is grounded properly also.
If you find that the vehicle 7-Way is not working, you will need to access the wires coming from the back of the factory 7-Way and determine which wire powers the center pole inside the 7-Way. This can be done with a multimeter tester like part # PT89ZR. Once you find the correct wire, sever it and attach a length of 12-gauge wire, part # 12-1-1, to this wire and run it to the reverse light wire at the back of the vehicle taillights.
Products Referenced in This Question
Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Multimeter
- Yellow
- Performance Tool
more information >
Replacement Solenoid Valve for Dexter Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Solenoid
- Valve
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Optronics 7 Pole to 5 Pole Flat Wired Adapter Review
- Video: Review of Dexter Axle Brake Actuator - Surge Brake Actuator with Reverse Lockout - DX56FR
- Shop: Jif Marine Dock Edging - P-Shape - 10' Long x 3-5/8" Tall x 2-3/8" Thick
- Shop: Taylor Made Heavy Duty Dock Edging - P-Shape - 25' Long x 3-13/16" Tall - Vinyl
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Titan Trailer Brakes T2385200 Review
- Search Results: 68149
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: dust cap
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Lippert Solera Slider Slide-Topper Review
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: dust caps
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar Inner Arm Replacement Installation
- Shop: 10-10 Grease or Oil Double-Lip Seals - Qty 2
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: safety chains
on Trailer Wiring
