Parts Needed To Install Trailer Brake Controller In 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure

Question:

Hi, I have a 2018 Rav4 Adventure and want to add a brake controller so I can tow a trailer with electric brakes. Where does the trigger signal wire attach? I’ve read that it should go to the “cold side” of the brake switch but some say because of abs, led lighting and cruise control, this may not be the best place. So where do you recommend connecting the trigger wire? Also how much current does this connection require? It also has adaptive cruise control which applies the brakes without pushing on the pedal. I think this would mean that either it’s not advisable to use cruise control when towing or using the connection to the middle brake light would be better so that the trailer brakes are applied whenever the brakes are used. What’s your opinion? Thx

asked by: Bruce P

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help you get the parts you need to install a trailer brake controller in your 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure.

You are correct that the best place to connect the red brake signal wire of a trailer brake controller to a vehicle is the cold side of the stop light switch. Now there are some vehicles where this can be difficult so Tekonsha has mentioned in the past that running it to a third brake light instead is perfectly fine. The stop light switch or third brake light wire will have 12 volts.

Since you have a lot going on with your stop light switch this would be a great alternative.

You will need to to use some # 16-1-1 to run from the trailer brake controller wire to the brake light wire, and use a circuit tester # PTW2993 to find the correct wire to splice in to.

If you do not have already have a 7-way connector or trailer brake controller for your RAV4 then you will need to start with a 4-way connector # 118578. Once a 4-way connector is installed you can install a 7-way connector using # ETBC7. This 7-way will plug in to the newly installed 4-way connector and require just a few more wiring connections. The black wire will get run to the positive terminal of your battery with the included 40 amp circuit breaker, ground the white wire to the frame, and run the blue wire to where the trailer brake controller is being installed.

For a trailer brake controller I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED24FR as it is a very low profile controller since only the knob is visible once installed leading to a factory appearing installation. You will also need the Universal wiring harness # RED69FR.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.