Where to Mount Curt TriFlex Brake Controller on a 2016 Toyota 4Runner

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Question:

My trailer is a Rockford popup camper, the smallest, 1500 lbs or so, loaded. I had a Curt Triflex on another car pulling it and it was great, except despite great care I was in danger of ruining the transmission! So I got a 4Runner. I dont see where to put the Curt Triflex and keep in in position required! I got some fotos of a different 2016 4Runner off some web site where they put it on the left over the fuse box, but my car is totally different. The limited space even for me, a 51inch woman used to be taller is noticeable. I have to be relatively close to the dash board to reach the pedals. Every surface is curved. It was this or the Prodigy 2, but the latter seems to be much larger. Other than positioning, the only other question seems to be what adaptor if any is needed to plug into what the "supposedly tow-ready" 4Runner wiring already in place. I put that into quotes because I saw one post where the guy said he had even talked to Toyota and was unable to get details as to what modifications of the 4Runner are involved. I saw one of your tech answers somewhere that recommended a trans cooler for 4Runner, but that trailer was perhaps much larger. My question that I havent found answered anywhere is, what is the difference between the one cooler that 4Runner comes with, and the additional one that is often recommended when pulling trailer. AT what trailer weight would you start needing additional cooling in a vehicle like the 4Runner? And are there any wiring issues you know of with the 4Runner tow package. Wire size affects transmission speed: when does this become a factor? The Toyota employees I talked with tried, but were blissfully ignorant of the need for a brake controller or anything else. Perhaps they can get away with it because of the 5000 lb upper limit for towing. Very impressed with your web site. Lots of hours and caring and great information. If you need foto of 4Runner, dash, email me back and I will take it tomorrow.

asked by: Pat N

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Expert Reply:

I am going to start with the easy part of your questions if you don't mind! For the Curt brake controller you have the wiring harness needed to plug it into your 2016 Toyota 4Runner is # C51362.

As far as placement I have seen the interior of the 2016 4Runner and like you said there is almost no free space! But it looks like to the right of about where your right knee would be there is a vertical space in the center console that appears to be directly in front of the emergency brake lever. That location seems to be the best option. Another possible option is on top of the dash above and to the left of the vent on the center console. Curved surfaces can work but you may have to use washers to compensate for the tilt so the controller is straight.

The P2 might be a little larger but it can also be mounted a full 360 degrees in the direction of travel which means it can be mounted straight up or down or upside down, and anything in between.

Transmission coolers are never a bad idea but since your trailer is so light you likely would not need to worry about it unless you exclusively tow through the mountains. Larger factory coolers or the addition of an aftermarket cooler such as # D13503 provides additional cooling capacity because the surface area of the cooler is larger and there is more fluid.

Usually if a transmission cooler needs to be added there will be a statement about it in the vehicle owner's manual. I checked the 2016 4Runner owner's manual and it doesn't mention that a cooler is required so since the trailer is all of 1,500 pounds I would not worry about it.

I have not heard of any issues with the Toyota wiring or transmission issues for that matter. Toyota generally does a good job making vehicles and components that last so that is likely why I have not heard of many issues with them. I have not heard of wire sizing having an impact on the transmission.

Keep in mind that if you are talking to people at a Toyota dealership and not the actual folks at Toyota you are likely going to get information that is not completely accurate since they don't really deal with those things on a daily basis and are not on the engineering side of things.

I am glad you like our site. A lot of people work very hard to bring you the best information and products we can!

expert reply by: Michael H

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Where to Mount Curt TriFlex Brake Controller on a 2016 Toyota 4Runner

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