Parts Needed To Install A Brake Controller On A 2022 Toyota Highlander Without Factory Tow Package

Question:

Hi, I bought your e75ZR hitch for my new 2022 Toyota Highlander a few weeks ago as all we were going to be using it for was a bike rack, but plans have changed. We are now looking at getting a smallish camper to we don't have to use tents anymore, so we want to get it set up for a brake controller and a 7 plug wiring harness. The camper we are looking at weighs right at 4,000 pounds loaded, so it does have brakes but I don't need anything fancy for the controller and prefer something inexpensive. I didn't get any wiring when I got the hitch, so what all do I need? I keep seeing that I need a 4 plug, but I know the camper has a 7 plug on it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Dino

Expert Reply:

On most vehicles that did not include a factory towing package, they do need to start with a 4-Flat wiring harness. This gives a 7-Way plug something to piggyback off of. However, we have the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter # TK57VR that is specifically designed to get a 7-Way added to your 2022 Toyota Highlander without needing a 4-Flat to start with. It has everything you need to get the lights, power, and brake controller hooked up and running properly.

As to the controller, if you are looking for something budget friendly that will still do a very good job, I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160. This is very easy to set up and use, but still has plenty of power when you need it. For the price, it is a hard controller to beat. If you have noticed a trend with Tekonsha products, you would be correct. Their parts tend to be the longest lived out of the brands we carry and I like to recommend them a lot.

Now, Toyota vehicles do have a quirk about them that does require an extra part. This is not an expensive part, but it is necessary. The Pigtail Wiring Harness # 7865 has a diode on the red stop-lamp wire to prevent feedback when using manual override and will get you all squared away. Once all these parts are hooked up, you are good to go, but I do also recommend grabbing the # PK12711U and # 18140 brackets to get the 7-Way mounted to the hitch. They do make it easier.

expert reply by: Lazer S