Bad info from dealership? Trailer brakes - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

gobblerman · 09-17-2007, 07:59 PM

So I'm talking to my buddy about a brake contoller I bought for my new Tundra and he informs me his dealer told him any Tundra with the tow package doesn't need a brake controller . Am I wrong here in saying this dealer is giving out dangerous info or am I missing something? He's checked with them twice and they insist he doesn't need a controller. (his trailer is +5000 lb dual axle with brakes)

***mhadden*** · 09-17-2007, 08:58 PM

He's a dumbass! Anything over a ton should have trailer brakes. Many states have laws on what weight trailer needs them, I know I need them at 3500lbs. Brake controllers are cheap (well, not if you go for the fancy Tekonsha or Prodigy ones). If I was close to you, I'd come with you to the dealership so whack that guy in the back of the head

Not sure why these idiots at the dealerships think that because the 07+ Tundra has larger brakes means that it doesn't need trailer brakes

TacomaTN · 09-17-2007, 10:05 PM

Yep, it needs a controller. If you have the tow package it has the harness for the contoller built in but that is it.

AZ29 · 09-17-2007, 10:26 PM

You can buy the factory /dealer reccomended ones, or any that plug in, the new Tundras with the tow package have the built in plug in. I got a prodigy, works great, the more $ ones usually have a digital readout and are self leveling. My 01 Tundra ,I have a techonsha ,simpler one, and it works fine. The controller allows you to adjust the amount of force the trailer brakes apply when stepping on the trucks brakes.

gobblerman · 09-18-2007, 07:16 PM

Thanks guys. Yeah I knew this was the case but I needed to hear it from someone else before I go back to my buddy, who thinks his dealer is the greatest, and tell him he don't know squat.

4X4YOTA4ME · 09-21-2007, 05:57 PM

Check your state laws, it will say at what weight you need brakes on a trailer.

IMHO, If the trailer has brakes you should use a controler

***mhadden*** · 09-24-2007, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06psd4me

Check your state laws, it will say at what weight you need brakes on a trailer.

IMHO, If the trailer has brakes you should use a controler

Unless its surge brakes, where a controller will have no input.

WXMotorsports · 09-24-2007, 10:20 PM

Bear with me...where is the plug-in for the controller? I'm not referring to the brake light plug-in near the hitch...LOL

gobblerman · 09-24-2007, 10:50 PM

The plug is behind the kick panel on the drivers side. You have to remove the pastic threshold first and then the kick panel (unscrew nut then pull panel back toward seat not sideways toward radio). The plug is is taped with black electrical tape to some other wires. There is a dummy cap on the plug. As a side note, take your time replacing the kick panel as the clips can become deformed and make installation very difficult.

WXMotorsports · 09-24-2007, 11:42 PM

Thanks!

4X4YOTA4ME · 09-25-2007, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhadden

Unless its surge brakes, where a controller will have no input.

Ahhh... KimoSabi you are Correct...

***mhadden*** · 09-25-2007, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4YOTA4ME

Ahhh... KimoSabi you are Correct...

55reasons · 10-03-2007, 07:09 AM

I have to say that I was REALLY REALLY surprised that they didn't give an option to integrate the brake controller into a dash compartment or into the NAV head unit somehow. I was pretty disappointed when they pointed me to yet another "external mount" solution.

.......and whoever at the dealership said that was an idiot.