Does 2016 Toyota RAV4 Need Brake Controller to Tow Trailer
Question:
I want to add a class 3 trailer hitch to my 2016 Toyota RAV 4. with light kit. Also wasnt sure do I need trailer brakes? Or wiring to have electric brakes?
asked by: Danny S
Expert Reply:
If your trailer has brakes then it wouldn't be a bad idea to use them but not all trailer have brakes. Smaller ones that have 4-way connectors do not have brakes so there's no need to install a brake controller. A good portion of trailers with 7-ways do have brakes but that's not always the case. If you see wires running to the backside of the hub that's a pretty easy way to know for sure. If the trailer weighs more than half the tow vehicle then brakes are highly recommended.
For a Class III hitch the Draw Tite part # 76134 is a mostly hidden option that has plenty of capacity. For just a 4-way you'd want the Tekonsha # 118578. To convert to a 7-way so that you can install a brake controller you'd also need the # ETBC7 which also comes with everything needed to install a brake controller like the P2 part # 90885 which uses an intertia sensor to determine how hard you are applying the vehicle brakes.
If you want to add brakes to the trailer I attached a help article on how to do this as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Installation - 2015 Toyota RAV4
- Video: Best 2015 Toyota RAV4 Trailer Hitch Options
- Video: Tow Ready Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2015 Toyota RAV4
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Search Results: 56070
- Q&A: What Hitch Do You Recommend for a 2024 Toyota RAV4?
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2023 Toyota RAV4
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: 5504
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2023 Toyota RAV4
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring