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Gen 2/3: Tow Package/Brake Controller/etc?

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by 2015_Nova_Taco, Sep 27, 2017.

  1. Sep 27, 2017 at 8:05 AM
    #1
    2015_Nova_Taco

    2015_Nova_Taco [OP] New Member

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    Hello

    I come from Tacoma World because I have found that I made a mistake in buying this trailer that was too heavy for the truck. I'm probably going to go for a Gen 3 SR5, basically, what I have but bigger and I need some intel.

    I looked at a 2016 Tundra last night (to expensive!) and it had a trailer controller. The dealer didn't know how to work it, so he was useless. I have a Prodigy on my Taco now. So my questions:

    1. Does the Tundra have a special towing package (trans cooler, better alternator, etc). how do I spot for that in reading the used truck listings? Or, are they all the same?
    2. When did the trailer brake controller start appearing in Tundra? (I have seen some threads that said it was useless, so would the Prodigy override that?) For The Taco, it was a plug and play, would the Tundra require wire cutting, etc.

    Thanks...and since people like photos:



    taco tow.jpg
     
  2. Sep 27, 2017 at 10:40 AM
    #2
    alalmcgrath

    alalmcgrath Old Fart at Large!

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    I am not sure but I think all the 3rd gens with the 5.7L have the tow package. If it has a tow/haul switch then it has the tow package.
     
    2015_Nova_Taco[OP] likes this.
  3. Sep 27, 2017 at 11:58 AM
    #3
    gdiep

    gdiep I like cookies

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    True. The issue with the factory brake controller seems to be resolved with a reflash from Toyota. Some guys on here have verified. However, prodigy units work very well. They are plug & play with the harness that can be purchased on line (like your Tacoma). 2014's do not have the factory controller. I think they are only compatible for 2016+.
    Easy enough to use your prodigy on all gen 3's with a harness. You can get a mount bracket from ESP that makes the controller mount nicely into any 3rd gen dash.
     
    2015_Nova_Taco[OP] likes this.
  4. Oct 5, 2017 at 5:24 PM
    #4
    ldale

    ldale New Member

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    IBC is standard on 2016 with the 5.7. 2015 has the wiring harness behind the Tow/Haul panel just need to purchase an IBC unit to make it PnP. Keep the Prodigy for a Backup....you may need it!
     
  5. Oct 5, 2017 at 7:12 PM
    #5
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    Yup, what those guys all said.

    How often will you be towing that trailer?

    How much does it weigh loaded up?
     
  6. Oct 6, 2017 at 4:17 AM
    #6
    2015_Nova_Taco

    2015_Nova_Taco [OP] New Member

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    Last Friday I bought a Gen 2 (2013). It already had a trailer controller so I followed the wires back and pulled it out and swapped it with the Prodigy from my Tacoma that I traded in.

    I'm all good now.

    How often? About 6-7 times a year. Trailer is hooked up now as I need it this weekend. The whole mess must be very close to 6500 since I was 400# over with the Taco. Tundra pulls really nice.

    BTW, do I need to push the tow/haul button every time I restart the truck?
     
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  7. Oct 6, 2017 at 4:30 AM
    #7
    gdiep

    gdiep I like cookies

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    Yes, have to push the tow haul button on each restart, at least on gen 3.
     
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  8. Oct 6, 2017 at 4:33 AM
    #8
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    Nice. Congrats on the new truck.

    I have always turned tow/haul off before shutting down. I would look for the dash light indicator to see if it stays on after turning off/on.
     
  9. Oct 6, 2017 at 4:35 AM
    #9
    gdiep

    gdiep I like cookies

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    Really, you turn it off before shutting down? Is there a reason? I just shut the truck down. Have I been doing it wrong the whole time?
     
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  10. Oct 6, 2017 at 4:45 AM
    #10
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    Haha no you aren't doing anything wrong. Sorry I could have explained that better.

    I only use it part time while towing 2 ATV's or a small 16' fiberglass jet boat. Neither load is heavy enough in my mind to use tow/haul the whole time, so going up hills I will use it. By the time I reach my destination I already have it off. If I was pulling something that I felt I should use it the whole trip, I would definitely keep it on while shutting down.
     
  11. Oct 6, 2017 at 10:10 AM
    #11
    2015_Nova_Taco

    2015_Nova_Taco [OP] New Member

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    Thanks. The Tacoma didn't have such a mode, just run it in 4th the whole way, which was a physical motion to do it. And the "4" was right in the middle of the gauges to see it better. The Tow/Haul light is off to the side in this truck. I'll make it work for me. :)
     
  12. Oct 6, 2017 at 10:17 AM
    #12
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

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    A little of this and a little of that.
    NIce truck and good luck. I think (You probably already know) you’re going to love that Tundra.

    Quick questions: was the brake controller in your gen 2 an aftermarket one? I didn’t see anything in reference to that. I, like others on here, thought the factory brake controllers were a 3rd gen thing.
     
  13. Oct 6, 2017 at 11:04 AM
    #13
    2015_Nova_Taco

    2015_Nova_Taco [OP] New Member

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    Sorry, I wasn't clear. There was a Curt trailer controller when I bought it but since I know my Prodigy better, I yanked it out and installed mine.

    I only have driven the truck about 200 miles, but it's very soft compared to the Tacoma and 5 miles with the trailer you really "can't tell it's there..."
     

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