Brake Controller and Trailer Wiring And Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Toyota Tacoma

Question:

I neeed to install a light and brake controller fog towing for my Tacoma 2013. I tis a manual transmission do you have any recommendations?

asked by: Carl E

Expert Reply:

If you are talking about towing a trailer with your Tacoma then you will start with trailer wiring to activate the trailer lights. It sounds like your Tacoma did not come with any sort of trailer wiring so to start you will need to install a 4-Way wiring harness, # 118496. Then you will need to install a 4- and 7-Way installation kit # ETBC7 to add a 7-Way and the wiring for a brake controller. I have included some links that will help with the ETBC7 installation.

Then you would need a brake controller. I recommend the P2, # 90885, because it is reliable, easy to set up, and easy to use.

If you are talking about towing the Tacoma behind another vehicle like a motor home then that is going to require different parts. First, you are going to want to consult the owners manual for your 2013 Toyota Tacoma to determine if the vehicle can be flat towed and if there are any special requirements to do so. We have found that Toyota states not to flat tow the Tacoma in the owners manual but they may have changed that for the 2013 model year. But checking the owners manual should always be the first step.

If you determine you can flat tow your Tacoma then there are at least 5 items you will need: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.

For base plates you can use Blue Ox base plates # BX3763. For a compatible tow bar, the one I recommend the most is the Avail, # BX7420. It is rated for up to 10,000 pounds and it comes with safety cables.

With base plates, a tow bar, and safety cables out of the way the next item to focus on is lighting. I recommend the diode kit # 154-792-118158. By using it you will not have to worry about using a brake light relay with a supplemental braking system. Another benefit is that once it is installed you will not have to mess with it again. I have linked the instructions for you.

And finally, most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. I recommend the InvisiBrake, # RM-8700. It also requires just one-time set up for use. I have linked a video showing a typical installation for you.

I have included some helpful links on flat towing for you as well.