Parts Needed To Install A Brake Controller In A 2012 Toyota Sienna LE

Question:

Hello, I am so lost right now. I am wanting to add a brake controller to my van 2012 toyota sienna LE with tow prep package V6. It appears to have been pre wired to accept it but couldnt find any information. I see on this page that there are several controllers listed as compatible with my van with the prep package but I dont see if I need a wiring harness to plug in to my van any where it does appear that i have a harness on my van for one. This is all new to me as I have not had to have brakes before. Could you help me find what would work for me needs to limit how much work I will have to do Thanks

asked by: Bryan M

Expert Reply:

Hi Bryan,

It looks like the Sienna doesn't come with a plug-and-play connector for wiring in a brake controller so you will have to do a bit of splicing but it's honestly a lot easier than you'd think. In order to tow a trailer with electric brakes you'll need a 7-way connector on the Sienna first. I'll start from the base and work forward, if you have some of these items then you can just skip those steps:

Assuming you have nothing wiring-wise you'll want a 4-pole wire harness like the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118498. This comes with plug-in tee-connectors so that you can easily connect to the tail lights.

From there you'll need the # ETBC7 for everything needed to get a 7-way. This plugs into the 4-pole connector for the lights and then will need to be wired in the following manner:

White - ground
Black - 12v power (battery) with inline circuit breaker (included in kit)
Red - cold side of the brake light switch
Blue - brake controller output wire
Yellow - reverse light function (this can be capped off with tape unless you want to tie into the reverse light circuit for a boat trailer with surge brakes).

To find the cold side of the brake light switch you can test the wires coming from the brake pedal with a tester # PTW2993 until you find the wire that only has power when the brake pedal is depressed. This is honestly the worst part since it's tight so you could also just install the # RM-751000 instead to simulate this signal. I also recommend picking up a no-drill bracket # 18136 to help mount the 7-way.

Once the 7-way is installed you can then install the brake controller of your choice. I personally prefer the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness # RED52VR. This brake controller has the smallest footprint on the market so keep a factory look and help prevent you from banging your knee on the controller when getting in/out of the vehicle. This comes with a universal wire harness that needs to be wired in as shown in the wiring diagram below. The # ETBC7 will come with a 30a circuit breaker for the brake controller so you won't have to purchase the Redarc one separately.

I've attached some videos below to help walk you through the installation process for each of these but if you still have questions then just let me know.