Installing Tekonsha Brake Controller on a 2016 Toyota Tacoma Without Factory Tow Package

Published 09/09/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

(387)

$22.16

Replacement Brake Control Plug-In Harness for Tekonsha and Draw-Tite Brake Controller 12" Long

(725)

$16.33

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$169.94

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.19

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(357)

$70.22

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3397)

$121.25

Question:

I have installed a Curt hitch with a 4-pin flat connector to my 2016 Tacoma TRD 4x4 Sport. It is the model which came without a two package nor an option for a two package. I would like to add a Tenkonsha proportional brake control. However even after going to the dealership they were not familiar with the location of the harness plug that would accept the 3031-P adapter. The pictures on your site are not familiar so they are probably for a Tundra. Can you shed any light on this? Is there a factory supplied connector and if so where would I find it?

asked by: Robert R

Expert Reply:

I can help you understand your 2016 Toyota Tacoma a little more and help you install that Tekonsha brake controller.

Since your Tacoma doesn't sound like it came with the factory 7-way then you will not have a plug in location for your brake controller like the # 3031-P uses, this is typically part of the upgraded "tow package".

The good news is you are off to a good start with the Curt 4-way wiring harness # C56349. We just need to take that connection and adapt it to the 7-way and run a few wires for you to have the ability to use the brake controller. To adapt your 4-way to a 7-way I highly recommend the # ETBC7 kit because it will come with everything you need to install the brake controller wiring, it even comes with a small circuit tester. I have linked an installation video on a similar Tacoma for you to check out. In this video the installer is hooking up the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195.

A brake controller that I like and recommend is the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because of its easy user interface. The P3 is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but doesn't have the display of the P3.

Both of these Tekonsha brake controllers will include the universal wiring adapter # 20127 for you to be able to hardwire this connection in. You will see this done in the video I've linked as well.

I have linked all the above mentioned products as well as a few Help Articles and an image to this page to better show you the connections that need to be made for your convenience.