Anyone using the factory trailer brake wiring, if so which controller did you choose?

Basically the thread title, also was the controller plug and play or did you have to modify the factory wiring?

Thank you.

 

I think after 2002 or 2003 all the trucks with tow packages were pre-wired for trailer brake controller. They just need a controller.

 

E-trailer is a good choice for getting a Trailer Controller.

Along with what @Tundra2 said, if your 04 came with the optional Tow pkg, not only do you have the pre-wired harnesses but you also have the Trailer Converter located in dash near glovebox.

That begs the question, do you know if your 04 came with factory tow pkg ?

If unsure, you can register an account at Toyota Owner's website: https://www.toyota.com/owners. Put your VIN number in where you can view your Vehicle Specs along with a number of other things....service history/recall work, regular maintenance, etc.

If still unsure, the below pic would be items you'd be looking for in your 04 AC....Optional Plug O 5 by driver kick panel which is what you plug your choice of Trailer Controller into, a Trailer Converter T 9 installed in dash near glovebox and T 6 grey Trailer Socket located driver side rear.

The below pic with the O 5 is my blank connector in my 04 DC kick panel where the ARE installers tapped into conductors they needed.

 

I used the factory wiring on my 2013 with no issues for nearly 8 years. I also went to e-trailer for my controller, they have great customer support! I purchased the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 brake controller and the Tekonsha plug in wiring adapter. Took a few to locate the factory plug under the dash, but once I did, it popped right in. You will need to calibrate the controller to your trailer so you don't accidently lock up the brakes on the trailer.

 

My truck does have the package, and I've located the plug under the dash, I even still have the pig tail for controllers that don't have the proper connector for the tundra.

I'm mostly just consider about accidentally buying a controller that isn't compatible with the tundra wiring. I realize that its basically just a power and signal wire, but the concern

I've looked at a few of there products, as well as curts, reece and red arc. still don't know exactly which one I want.

is still there.

 

Whether e-trailer is your choice or not, the below is 2 e-trailer videos on a 02 and an 06 Trailer controller install that may help.

Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2002 Toyota Tundra Video | etrailer.com

Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2006 Toyota Tundra Video | etrailer.com

 

I have a Tekonsha Prodigy I have used with my factory tow package wiring, no problem
I used the pigtail that came with the truck and soldered it to the pigtail that came with the controller.
The wiring diagram that came with the Prodigy listed Toyota wire colours and was accurate, very simple.
I have only used it a couple times and it worked as it should. I mounted the Prodigy to the lower right of the steering wheel below the ignition, above my right knee.

 

+1 for Prodigy.

I've had a curt triflex on my 02 AC and a prodigy on my 05 DC and much prefer the prodigy. I did the same as PenderBen.

 

I see most of the tekonsha recommendations are for the p2 or p3,

Has anyone ever used this one?

https://www.tekonsha.com/product/90920_trailer-brake-control-proportional

I like how this one and the redarc one are smaller and neater and don't hang down where my knees are.

https://www.etrailer.com/multi-prod...1327&HHYear=2004&HHMake=Toyota&HHModel=Tundra

many years ago I had a ramcharger with a p2/3 style reese controller that hung under the dash and had a linkage attached to the brake pedal, and although it didn't happen often, bashing my knee against it was never fun.

 

That looks pretty slick, would be nice if it was more out of the way like that. I didn’t read all the details but wonder if the illumination shuts off when nothing is hooked up or if it can be turned off? I just leave mine unplugged most of the time.
I’ve had mine for about 15 years, like I said, only used a few times (first in my T100 then moved to the Tundra) so not worth changing, but I’d definitely consider one of those.

 

Definitely not into the APP thing or adding any other factor into the equation - but it looks like you don't have to either. It does look slick and I have heard good things about redarc as well. I'd certainly consider that just for the mounting factor integration - gives you "better" options for sure. Don't know that I'd drop the coin in my scenario though since my Tundy isn't a tow monster of any sort - 90% of the time I'm towing it is just a small 5x10 hauling equipment or loads of wood around and such and I don't even need brakes anymore. The other times it's a larger equipment trailer that has brakes but it's a set it and forget it situation that doesn't necessitate all the features and shit.

Were I in the hauling biz or hooking up to a multitude of different setups - I think I would go a route like this. Although a Prodigy P3 is still a contender too.

 

I don't tow anything heavy very often usually just a couple trips in the fall for fire wood, other than that its for small loads lumber that are too long for the truck. But last summer I bought a new to me car that exceeded the limit of my 3500lbs trailer so I had to rent one that had some kind of auto hydraulic brakes in the hitch, and those brakes made a noticeable difference in how everything stopped. those brakes made the whole trailering experience so much nicer that I've decided to add trailer brakes to my trailer, and with the addition of brakes I now require a controller.

 

Well, if it’s that infrequent I’d probably get the more standard controller because you can just unplug them and remove them when not in use and store it out of the way and operation is very simple. That ID one would also be pretty much out of the way… cost a factor?

 

that's fair, either way I've got a bit of time to think while I'm waiting to get it back from the shop.

 

i installed a redarc controller. the box is behind my gauge cluster with a remote dial in the console