Adding Trailer Brake Controller to SR

Good afternoon,

looking to see if anyone has any experience with adding a (preferably OEM) trailer brake controller to an SR tundra. Is it as simple as finding the part # and plugging it into the plug under the steering wheel? I’d really like to keep it oem if I can so I don’t have a bulky tbc hanging out but will if it’s the only way I can get some trailer brakes to work.

also worth noting my truck came with the “SR tow package” which includes the receiver and the 7-pin

 

questions:
does your SR have the spot in the dash to the lower right of the steering column where the trailer brake controller would be?
how confident are you with wiring something up?

 

If you do not have the factory controller stock, I suggest that you do not get the factory controller. Get a Tekonsha P3, excellent controller, much better than the Toyota controller and they are not expensive, about $150. It may be cheaper than buying a new toyota unit. You can get install kits to mount it in the factory location (confirmed for 2nd gen) or mount it some other place.

Maybe the 2022 factory controllers are better, but the factory controller have had issues for many in the 2nd gens. P3 is worth a look.

 

@MT721

looks like the OEM trailer brake control can be purchased, as for plug and play, no idea
since yours has the tow package, if you pop the cubby out is there a connector behind it somewhere just waiting to be plugged in?



https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota_2...AILER-BRAKE-CONTROL/105892822/843910C020.html



doesn't appear to be extremely expensive $130ish

 

it does have the change holder insert type deal in place of where the OEM TBC would be, let me see if I can attach an image. I’m decent with wiring so long as I have a (preferably color) wiring diagram

the P3 is definitely a good option I’m just concerned that there isn’t a good way to mount it clean and as out of the way as the factory option

 

the reason i asked about wiring skill, is that the TBC runs through a couple ECU's, thought maybe if your truck didn't have the stuff from factory to plug n play, that if you got the factory switch and connector, that you would be able to wire it up yourself

 

this is the entire circuit

EDIT: attached PDF non color version

 

I also have a 2022 SR and I popped the change pocket out and it does not appear to have a dead ended connector(there is a connector where those 3 vent slots are, but not sure what that is). Talked to a guy at Tekonsha and he said that Toyota has not had a cable connector for a few years, and controller needs to be hardwired. Had to do the same for my 08 Tundra. It was pretty easy, will have to see about this one. Will probably give it a shot with the P3 next week.

 

My lexus GX had a plug-n-play connector for a Tekonsha, I would be really surprised if the Tundra didnt have something under the dash.

I literally just plugged in the connector and connected a ground wire to an existing bolt on the firewall.

 

If its anything like the Ford F150's, the wire may be in the dash somewhere and you just need to activate it in Techstream.

Ford's can do it at home. Just put the OEM controller in and plug it into the wiring harness and then use a program called Forscan to activate the TBC in the instrument cluster module.

 

I found these images on Facebook. They, supposedly, show the TBC wiring harness.
Do you have this harness in your SR?
Does it plug into your OE controller?

 

It appears that mine does have the same connector. Trying to figure if it will actually be a plug and play if I get a new controller from Toyota, or if it needs anything else. Contacting different Toyota service centers they all say I need aftermarket. Bad thing about new vehicles, no one really knows anything about them yet and getting answers is hard. Did this FB page say if they installed an OEM controller and if it worked ok? And thanks for the info.

 

Guy on FB installed an aftermarket unit. He said he used the harness adapter for a 2021 Tundra.

 

Any way you could link the FB page if its not private? Would like to see if I can get more info.

 

RichM - Did you get an answer about the OEM brake controller being plug and play?

 

Hey all, thought I would check in. Long story short we have a functioning trailer break controller installed!

I ended up going with the Redarc Towpro Liberty. Mainly because of the simplicity of the unit and how simple and factory the install would look. Fantastic customer service from Redarc BTW. They did say that they didn’t have any adapter harnesses out for 22+ tundras, I took that as a challenge lol. First I ordered a harness # TPH-015 which on red arcs website said it was compatible with 15-17 tundras. It was a no go. Too wide and flat for the connector located under my steering wheel. So I returned that one and then ordered a TPH-021 which on Redarcs website says it is for 03-14 tundras however it was a perfect fit for my 22 SR!!

plugged the rest of the harnesses together, mounted the actual break controller box under the dash to a solid surface, found a good ground screw for the dangly white wire and I used one of my empty buttons on the far left side to drill out to mount the knob to.

the main hole for the knob was a 10mm drill bit and I can’t remember what size I used for the little light that sticks through. Take your time trimming and gutting out the back side of the button. Luckily the SR’s come equipped with a ton of spare buttons lol. My drill press ate the first one I tried before I switched to a dremel for the second one.

I still have some tweaking to do for how the knob is set in my button blank ( I removed a bit too much material from the button and it pops in the dash a little but it’s functional and I’ve got a road trip with my car trailer this weekend.

if anyone else has any other questions or wants to see any other specific pictures just let me know

 

This looks like a great solution! Can you post a pic of the switch? I'd like to see the final install, and if possible, the back of the panel with the switch installed.

 

THANK YOU!!! I just opened my Redarc with the TPH-15 and found out the same and was wondering if the 21 was the correct one. YOU MADE MY DAY!!!

 

What do the 2022 button blanks look like? Redarc sells the typical Toyota button blanks to fit their knobs. Thats how I mounted the knob for my Lexus GX.



I do like my Redarc though. It works much better than my Tekonsha P3 I had before.

 

I did the math based on the sticker on the truck using GVWR, GAWR (Front and Rear), and subtracted people and tongue weight and came up with 8,126 (approx) for my SR. I used this article for some help on how to do the math. The brake controller is really for keeping it from fishtailing and getting out of control with that much weight. Also saves your brakes. Doesn't help tow more though. https://www.doubledtrailers.com/fin...SyoT46ovrcH8uJa7-drZqXRNGTQJFeW_d2Q&fs=e&s=cl

 

Not sure how engine plays, but basically if you have GCVR (15204) listed and subtract the weight of people and stuff (GVWR) what's left is towing. The engine is probably figured into how much weight the vehicle is rated for combined regardless of towing or not. The axel weight, listed on your door frame tells you how much the front and real axels will bear.

Also to add, the more "stuff" your truck has from the factory, such as 4WD vs. 2WD (which mine is since my wife doesn't drive in bad weather), reduces your towing capacity because it takes away from GCWR.

• 
  Weight Information
  • Base Curb Weight (lbs): 5290
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap (lbs): 7165
  • Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs): 15204
  Trailering
  • Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 5000
  • Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 500
  • Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 8300
  • Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 830
  • Maximum Trailering Capacity (lbs): 8300

 

MT721 I’m going to be doing the same Redarc setup as you. Not too savvy with electrical work. Where did you ground the white wire? And do you have a photo of the button finished? Any help would be appreciated

 

@RickyT @MT721 Can you please let me know if you’re happy with the performance from your Redarc trailer brake? Have you towed any heavy loads with it? I’m still debating between this and the Tekonsha P3. Thank you very much

 

I’ve had the RedArc for a couple years. Love it. It’s super easy to install and operate.

I towed a 8k travel trailer with it and the brakes operated as they should. IMO that’s a hell of a lot of weight for these trucks. My current setup is about 5500 fully loaded and I have no trouble with it in the mountains.

 

So, I got a lot of good information from this post and I am going to explain what I did on my 2022 SR Brake Controller.

Yes the factory has tucked a connector above the drivers foot well that is for connecting in a brake controller. While Redarc does not have a pigtail spec’d for the 22 Tundra I can confirm the TPH-021 Harness correctly fits the factory connector. I will post a photo of this connection.

I removed the change pocket from my dash by applying upward pressure to the inside/top/rear of the pocket and it just tipped right out. I then drilled a 1” hole in the back of the change pocket with it sitting on my workbench to allow me to pass the harness into the pocket and to the soon to be installed Redarc Remote Switch. I made a 4-1/2” square bracket from 1/2” plastic which I mounted the brains of the controller to then mounted it to a steel member I found under the dash board. You could just use zip ties but I own a CNC so I cranked out a custom mount for mine.

Next, I connected the ground wire to a bolt under the dash near the ODB2 connector. Then I fired up my CNC again and made a custom cover for the change pocket that friction fits into the change pocket. I used the drilling specs supplied from Redarc to make it a perfect fit as you will see looking at the attached photos.

I am ready for questions at this point… let me know how I can help you and if you need more/better details.

PHOTOS:
The items I used: Harness and Controller


Harness Installed


CAD Rendering of the Cover I made for change pocket


Remote in the cover. Cover on the change pocket


Final Installation in my Tundra.

 

@Ketterus thanks for the update. I read (part of) @MT721 post on the Redarc and made a bonehead move and just ordered one thinking I would get the right stuff. Referenced this posting and they are gonna update their website so they stop sending wrong parts. The customer service was GREAT though as the guy Adam in their tech support got it all taken care of for me and they may have a button to drop in the console here (pic below). I’ll let y’all know how it works out when mine comes in and I’ll try and post some photos.

 

Thanks for the update. Will be interesting if they do end up making a button that will mount in the hole you reference. I might update mine in that case... but I really like the setup I have now.

Let me know if it doesn't work out and I will burn out another cover for the coin holder for you... just pay for the shipping. The controller is great and I am really happy with it.

 

Got the package in from Redarc today. I got it all in with no cutting or issues. This is the package you should purchase if you are doing this for your 2022 Tundra SR. I am also going to update the company so they can reorganize their website. Not a professional car guy, just mess around with my own vehicles. Installation and pix for this post took less than an hour.

Tools needed 8mm Socket, side cutters (cut zip ties), pop rivet removal tool (removing clips, can also use a plastic trim tool). Not pictured: a drill and small self tapping screw to ground out controller.

Parts from Redarc

Remove door trim panel

Remove 2x 8mm bolts and clips to drop down kick plate and expose harnesses

Remove plastic kick plate under dash (I popped out the OBD connection and the trailer brake harness to completely remove the panel, but not required)

Remove side panel from the bottom (these just clip in)

Remove cluster (this also just has plastic retention clips), I suggest leaving this panel off so you can get light in and work around with both hands for the entire project

Remove the board from the black plastic housing (will no longer need the black housing)

Slide board into this new switch insert from Redarc (TPSI-011) and screw on clear plastic hex (in controller box) to secure in new housing

Pop out a blank and insert the switch insert into the cluster

Find a secure place to mount the controller (I zip tied mine to a metal brace out of the way

Secure wires out of the way (used zip ties) and ground out the white wire in the power harness (TPH-021). I used a self tapper to the bracing.

Finished product installed in dash

 

You did a fantastic tutorial on how to install this break controller. I’m glad to see they have a mount that works in the new tundra. Thanks a lot.