Tow Controler

I just got a new travel trailer that weights around 5,000 pounds. My question is where should I start with the Tow Controller? I think when I first got in my truck it was set at 50%. That seems like it works.

 

There’s probably a calibration procedure listed in the manual.

On my Prodigy controller, it has a switch where I can manually trigger the trailer brakes. It instructed me to start moving at a low rate of speed (I forget what the exact range was) and trigger the trailer brakes at 100% to see if the tires locked up. If they did lock up, lower the braking power. If they didn’t, increase the power until they do... then back down a notch until it doesn’t.

 

^ that's pretty much how you do it. Your starting point isn't really dependent on the weight due to different brakes and number of axles. Go 25 MPH and engage it 100% manually. You want it just below the point where it locks the brakes up.

 

Thanks you! I also found this on YouTube. https://youtu.be/tAs-6EDzrAE

 

Did Toyota fix the factory Trailer Brake Controller issues?

It think there a recall or Software upgrade for it but it wasn't still %100 fix ... and some people gave up and bought Prodigy.

Anyone knows the details?

 

I was under the impression there was no way to install any 3rd party brake controller....

I was ready to do so last year and no way to with any ease.

If this has been figured out I'd like to know, although I'm having no issues with the stock one....so far!

 

@Greg Marmalard
As far as I know Prodigy has a plug & play controller for Tundra. May have to buy the adapter.

What year is your Tundra? I think some older models had the break controller issues even after SW upgrade. I think 2016 was one of them.

 

Huh....

I have a 2019 and had to get the software update for it to work. Not overly confident and kinda essential.

I'll have to look for an adaptor if they are made.

Thanks!

 

did you tow after the software update of factory brake controller? Do you think it is still not functioning propetly?

 

So far the times I've tried the built in, it's worked better than the aftermarket I had on 4 runner. I hope it keeps working that way. The JD Tractor and trailer is~10,000lbs and the snow cat ~5,300lbs. And no, I didn't pull the tractor with the 4runner... Never, it would be too far out of book safe value. And I would never do such a thing.

 

I have a 6k travel trailer I pull with my Tundra and I found a flat open parking lot and just played around with the brake controller settings until I found one that felt like the trailer was not pushing or stopping the truck. Unfortunately with the factory trailer brake controller that setting is generally around 8 or 9 lol.

 

I'm not directing this at anyone and I don't really care that my posted thread was hijacked but all good info. For a while I was getting the impression the Toyota's factory Brake Controller wasn't all that good but thanks to the last post from Tundraman479 I guess I won't be worried to set the Brake Controller as high as "8 or 9.

 

lol your experience may be different then mine but my factory brake controller is pretty weak. If you search around you can find some reading about it on this forum. But like I said find an empty parking lot and take your time and play around with it and see which setting feels best to you!

 

As one who has gone through the Toyota IBC issues from its introduction in 2016, I believe the engineers know nothing about towing. With the latest update and replacement of the Gain switch, my 2018 IBC is about 75% of the function of the Prodigy, but it does the job once you find its sweet spot with your trailer and load. I tow 2 different trailers, a 10,000 GVW Dumper and a 10,000 GVW flat bed that I transport my tractor and Civil War artillery on, just get the updates and play with it and your trailer.

 

Thanks for the advice. I know every situation will produce different results. When I picked up my travel trailer from the dealership I tried to set up the Brake Controller but was confused with the setting comparing the experience from my old LC which had an aftermarket controller installed in it. That controller was set somewhere around 20% and worked fine. So starting at 50% I wasn't sure how much brake was being applied gave me the uncertainty that it was not set properly. But I now thing I do have a better grasp on how this (my Tundra) Brake Controller works. It's all good!