Brake Controller Installation

I just finished installing a brake controller on my 2015 1794. It was simple, but since the instructions were not specific to any vehicle, this post might be helpful if you are about to install a controller.

I bought a Tekonsha P3 and I also bought a wiring harness from etrailer. They shipped both to me via 2 day UPS for just 8.29 so all in I paid 152.43.

I don't especially care for the shiny cheap screws. It would be sharper if it came with black panhead screws so it blended in better. But I leave tomorrow with a trailer and am glad I was able to get it up and running.



This part of the dash just pops out and it's a whole lot easier than unbolting the whole dash.




I decided this was the most practical place to put the controller.




The most challenging part was figuring out how to tighten this screw.


All Done! Took about an hour.

 

Nice. ESP makes a kit for the P2s and P3s.

https://www.esptruck.com/brake-controller-kit

Got mine in yesterday and gonna install mañana

 

Just bought this same setup. ESP component should be here tomorrow.

 

Would love to see pictures of the ESP after install!

 

Check Tundra's live, I have an installed picture there. Might have to jump back a few pages.

 

So I pulled my TT for the first time with my 17 CM. I have my P3 left over from my 13 CM.
Should I be able to just plug and play and instead of a mounting am.i able to lay it on my console and remove when not in use?
Thanks.

 

I'm not one 100% sure what your asking here but the P3 can be disconnected and removed at the controller if you just screw the mount into the lower dash. I do know that the P3 controller needs to be mounted in the direction of travel as it has an internal inertia sensor. Hope this helps.

 

I did not want to secure it to the truck. I want to disconnect the factory controller, plug in mine and when not towing unplug and take out. Then when using the P3 just lay it flat on the middle of the dash. Also, will it plug right in where the factory controller connects? I hope this makes more sense.
Thanks.

 

Based on the owners manual, and the video on etrailer, https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90195.html

I believe it must be mounted. If it were not level, or bumped, the sensor inside of it will not work properly. When you buy the P3 it comes with 2 mounts.

 

Thanks.
It looks like I could lay it on my dash as long as it stays still and flat.
Now, will it plug right up where the factory controller connects using the same plug from a 13?

 

I think it must be mounted because when you hit the brakes the internal sensor adjusts the trailer brakes accordingly. If you had to stop hard and the controller where to slide forward, you may end up without brakes on the trailer, or perhaps they could be applied with too much force. It has the potential if your load where heavy enough and you were in a turn to get you in real trouble.

If you have ever had the helpless feeling of nearly rolling over or sliding on ice, you know what it will feel like if the brake controller is not operating properly. I wouldn't redneck this thing but instead would make sure it is setup exactly the way it is supposed to be.

The P3 is billed as being perfect for your situation in that you can program it for multiple vehicles. You just need a mount and wiring harness for each vehicle.

Sorry, I can't speak to the compatibility with your existing harness. I would call or go online to etrailer and find out if the same harness they sell works on both the 13 and the 17. If it requires 2 different harnesses then you know it won't work...just my guess though so take that with a grain of salt.

Surely the aftermarket brake controller and the Toyota plug utilize the same plug...

 

Thanks for the detailed information. I did check online and the wiring harness isn't compatible.
I will try working with my factory controller a little more.

 

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...-i_G4bbJ-b7n2_pjvVqozxzirH3_sQCvshxoChOrw_wcB

 

The controller works good, tow a 30' 9200lb trailer for my church and I don't get pushed to hard when stopping. I'm still fine tuning the settings.

 

Boom

 

What keeps it in place and not fall out could you show a picture of the back.

 

It's a very tight fit and the mounting screws on the controller keep it secure. It's a permanent mount.