1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Towing: How to convert 4-Flat brake pin on 2006 Tundra to 7-Way with brake controller

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by FetchTundra, Jun 3, 2018.

  1. Jun 3, 2018 at 5:58 PM
    #1
    FetchTundra

    FetchTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #15864
    Messages:
    2
    Vehicle:
    2006 Tundra V6
    I'm new to the forum and trucks in general, so bear with me here...

    I just bought a 2006 Tundra (V6) which came with the factory installed 4 flat plug for trailer brakes. My trailer has a 7 Blade plug-in and electric brakes. I was under the impression that I would need a brake controller and a converter for the pin, and looking online those seem to cost about $200 together. But when I brought my truck to the local dealership to get a quote on the job they priced the parts alone at $1300! No thanks. I wasn't planning on this, but I guess I'm going to learn how to install this myself.

    My ask of you all on this forum, who I assume know a thing or two, is as follows:
    1) As an absolute novice to working on cars/trucks could (SHOULD?) I tackle this project myself?
    2) What parts are needed and which brand would you recommend?
    3) Are there parts I need beyond a brake controller, installation kit and pin converter?
    4) Is there any specialized tool I'll need beyond what I would have in a basic tool kit?

    That's it! I put my foot in it and need your help to get it out. Thanks for everything.
     
  2. Jun 3, 2018 at 6:15 PM
    #2
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,621
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    Contact www.etrailer.com

    There’s an adapter that hooks into your existing 4 prong plug and you would run a wire from the battery.

    If you don’t feel comfortable in the install, no harm in taking it into a shop and getting this done.
     
  3. Jun 3, 2018 at 6:17 PM
    #3
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    You need to check the Etrailer website. No way to convert a 4 pin to include brakes. You need to add a 7 pin plug on truck. $1300 is way too much money. Call Etrailer if you have to. Wiring will be biggest challenge and I don't know if your truck is prewired for a brake controller. I just saw previous reply stating there is an adapter. Not sure how since a 4 pin contains ground, tail lights, right brake light, & left brake lights.
     
  4. Jun 3, 2018 at 6:21 PM
    #4
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #8
    Messages:
    7,645
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    I echo the etrailer recommendations, Etrailer.com is amazing.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  5. Jun 3, 2018 at 6:22 PM
    #5
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,621
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    01erionracing and MotoTundra like this.
  6. Jun 4, 2018 at 2:34 PM
    #6
    FetchTundra

    FetchTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #15864
    Messages:
    2
    Vehicle:
    2006 Tundra V6
    Thank you all for the help. Etrailer is definitely a great resource. I'm looking at ordering their universal installation kit (Item # ETBC7) which includes the 4 to 7 adapter and mount, and also a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller which I believe includes the harness for install (Item # 90885).

    Does it look like I'm missing anything? From reading their product info and FAQs that seems to be it, but I am aware that I do not know the things I do not know ("Unknown unknows."- Rumsfeld) and I don't want to start the install only to find that I'm missing an obvious and crucial piece.
     
  7. Jun 4, 2018 at 3:51 PM
    #7
    mtTundra

    mtTundra New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2017
    Member:
    #10958
    Messages:
    405
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Bozeman MT
    Vehicle:
    2016 Platinum 4X4, 1997 Tacoma 4x4
    Longer list than the wife needs to know about....
    https://www.amazon.com/CURT-57184-4...pID=41631nDz3OL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

    Its an easy conversion.
    Hardest part will be identifying the 3 other wires needed in your wiring harness if you are not familiar with wiring.
    A little you tube search watch 20min of videos and your set.

    *Edit* get a conversion harness like the ones linked. Then if you ever need to tow something with a 4 pin you just unplug out of your 7 pin connect to the trailer and off you go.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top