Brakes.....
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4963
Printed Date: 19 Aug 2025 at 8:12pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Brakes.....
Posted By: Jdub
Subject: Brakes.....
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 12:27am
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So we sold the suburban and replaced with 2014 Tacoma. I spent a number of hours under the dash of the Tacoma and taking off the kick panel to find the "prewired" harness for the digital brake unit, to no avail. I could not find the thing. So either it was not wired or they have just done a great job of hiding it But regardless, using the seven pin connector, I should still have rpod brakes working in concert with the Tacoma's right? I just won't have the extra braking from the eternal unit......right?
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Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 1:31am
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Gotta have the brake controller to run the pod's brakes. Otherwise you will only have the TV's brakes. Even w/o a prewired harness, it shouldn't be too hard to create the 4 connections you need. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 1:35am
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I don't think so. Unless your Tacoma has a brake controller already. LMGTFY  [TUBE]Wc9jveHElIE[/TUBE] ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 5:38am
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Check with a Toyota dealer I think all Tacoma's may have the wire harness by the back bumper from the factory. Sorry My mind is not with it right now you were talking about brake controller harness. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 8:13am
I have a 2013 Tacoma dual cab short bed. If you have the 7 pin connector you are halfway there. You have to add a brake controller. The under dash connector is there, but it's really hard to find. I almost gave up too, but knowing what I was looking for helped. Toyota really worked to hide it. Look for pictures and videos on the web. As a last resort ask a dealer. It's there since early 2000's I think. BTW I recommend the Prodigy P3 with their adapter cable for the Tacoma. Easy to install and use and the digital display shows you if and how it's working at a glance. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: MoggerPod
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 8:52am
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On my 07 Tacoma with auto trans, the connector was taped to a harness next to the parking brake mechanism. If you buy a controller with a Toyota specific harness, the connector on that harness will give you a clue as to what you are looking for under the dash. ------------- Brad & Laura B. Durango, CO 2014 RP177HRE |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 8:53am
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Go to you tube, search "toyota tacoma brake controller" There will be a video by "etrailer.com"Watch it. It has all the information you need. ------------- |
Posted By: Jdub
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 9:00am
I seriously spent at least 4 hours upside down yesterday, running my hand up and down every wiring set I could find, and I could not locate that connector. I took off the kick panel and it wasn't there either. I even took it to the dealer on Saturday for help and they basically told me to screw off. I bought the controller and cable, but I am stuck if I can't find the connector. We were planing a week in the mountains next week but I don't want to take the pod if it ain't got no brakes. We do have a friction bar on it......
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Posted By: Jdub
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 9:02am
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 9:25am
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I understand your frustration. As I said, I almost gave up myself. My connector was taped behind a much larger bundle and was in no way visible. I only found it by feel, but it was there. I didn't have to remove any panels. BTW, the response from your dealer is disappointing, but unfortunately, not surprising. You definitely need the trailer brakes working before you travel. As a last resort you can wire the controller into the truck harness without the connector. All the wires are there and you only need four of them. If you are somewhat familiar with electronics and have a voltmeter you can do it with some patience. Good luck. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 9:42pm
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Here is a video for the 2012 Tacoma installation. It shows the wiring location, etc. I would think the 2013 would either be the same or similar. https://www.etrailer.com/multi-product.aspx?pc1=90195&pc2=3040-P&hhmake=Toyota&hhmodel=Tacoma&hhyear=2013&vehicleid=2013106293&hunter=bc Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: Jdub
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 9:17am
| Thanks Bob. I have watched that video three times....the plug ain't there. I am taking the truck back to the dealer today.....I paid for the plug to be there, it is their damn problem to find it or install a new one. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 9:46am
Good approach, but take your blood pressure med before you get to the dealer.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 11:54am
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Here's a stupid thought does your Toyota have a built in brake controller?? My ford does and no sign of a plugin any where. Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 2:00pm
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I am not aware of a built in controller offered for the Tacoma.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: bcmatell
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 7:42pm
| I have a 2012 tacoma,go to a toyota dealer and have them install it!!! Its easy,stress free and cheap |
Posted By: bcmatell
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 7:43pm
its all there as I had a controller installed by the dealer
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 9:04pm
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If you do go to a dealer for installation be sure to pick out or supply your own controller. No telling what the dealership is pushing today. Tekonsha is the preferred brand here, P3 in my preference.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Jdub
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 10:17pm
I couldn't agree more. Got it into the dealer today with the cable and for $50 they found the damn plug, hooked the cable on, and left it on the floor of the truck. Rigging the controller to that took 5 minutes. What a waste of time this was. First Toyota I have owned, starting off on the wrong foot...... |
Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 2:53pm
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Read this for finding the brake controller plug, good photos: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/towing/317621-cant-find-brake-control-connector-2014-a.html ------------- 2012 177 HRE 2017 Tacoma Double Cab |