Wireless Trailer Brake Controller options

[Gastan]

As we now know, any 2025 4Runner 6th gen that doesn't come with Tech Tow Package from the factory will not have a wiring harness to plug the OEM Toyota trailer brake controller into.

For anyone who wants to hardwire in a physical aftermarket trailer brake controller into the dash, I posted instructions in this DIY thread.

For anyone considering a wireless trailer brake controller solution, these option were posted by a Tacoma owner (applies to 4Runner the same):

Not sure what the advantage is to a brake controller hardwired into the vehicle. I went to my dealer and they ripped the dash apart looking for a connector and they gave up and recommended the CURT 51180 Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controler. I researched the echo and it does have some advantages and it’s low cost, but I did not like the idea of needing Location Services turned on, on my iPhone and the idea that the iPhone had to be running the app. That would take away my gps and music.​

​

I finally settled on the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Brake Controller. it more expensive but does not use your iPhone, but uses a simple controller plugged into the aux power connector. All brake controllers have a two or three degrees of freedom toque sensor that senses when you slow down. It uses the knowledge that you are braking to enable the trailer brakes. The amount of slow down force detected by the torque sensor and the gain setting of the controller controls the amount of braking the controller applies. Either of these wireless controllers can be easily moved from one vehicle to another unlike a hard wired controller. There are probably many other wireless controllers that would work as well as those I listed.​

 

[ncrunner]

Pretty cheap and stupid that a truck frame based SUV rated to tow 6,000 pounds doesn't have wiring from the factory.

 

[jdgreen]

As we now know, any 2025 4Runner 6th gen that doesn't come with Tech Tow Package from the factory will not have a wiring harness to plug the OEM Toyota trailer brake controller into.

For anyone who wants to hardwire in a physical aftermarket trailer brake controller into the dash, I posted instructions in this DIY thread.

For anyone considering a wireless trailer brake controller solution, these option were posted by a Tacoma owner (applies to 4Runner the same):

Not sure what the advantage is to a brake controller hardwired into the vehicle. I went to my dealer and they ripped the dash apart looking for a connector and they gave up and recommended the CURT 51180 Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controler. I researched the echo and it does have some advantages and it’s low cost, but I did not like the idea of needing Location Services turned on, on my iPhone and the idea that the iPhone had to be running the app. That would take away my gps and music.​

​

I finally settled on the Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Brake Controller. it more expensive but does not use your iPhone, but uses a simple controller plugged into the aux power connector. All brake controllers have a two or three degrees of freedom toque sensor that senses when you slow down. It uses the knowledge that you are braking to enable the trailer brakes. The amount of slow down force detected by the torque sensor and the gain setting of the controller controls the amount of braking the controller applies. Either of these wireless controllers can be easily moved from one vehicle to another unlike a hard wired controller. There are probably many other wireless controllers that would work as well as those I listed.​

The TRD OR without Tow Tech I paid a deposit on is still "in transit". I'd decided on the Prodigy RF, but prefer the OEM package. Using Toyota "Search Inventory", I repeatedly looked out 500 miles for one equipped as I wanted. Over a month I found 4. My dealer was patient and tried without success on the first 3 to dealer trade. He was able to get the 4th one, perfectly equipped. It was built just a few days ago, so increases my wait time by a few weeks, but worth it to me.