How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2001 Toyota Tundra SR5 With Factory Tow Package

Updated 04/11/2013 | Published 04/09/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

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$57.20

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

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$118.67

Question:

what other pieces do I need to install the brake controller?

asked by: Allen

Expert Reply:

To determine what additional equipment you will need to install a brake controller on your 2001 Toyota Tundra SR5, we will need to know how your truck is equipped. The tow package for the Tundra may have come with either a 4-way flat trailer connector or a 7-way round trailer connector at the rear bumper.

If your Tundra came with a 4-way flat trailer connector, then you will also need the 4 and 7 Pole Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This kit includes a connector with a 7-way round and 4-way flat connections and it also includes all hardware necessary to complete the installation. I have attached a video of this kit being installed on a 2002 Tundra with a factory 4-flat for you to check out.

If your truck came with a factory 7-way trailer connector, then you will only need the brake controller wiring kit, # 5506. This kit includes the wires and hardware needed to install a brake controller. The duplex wire in this kit installs in the same manor as the duplex wire from the # ETBC7 kit.

You will see 4 wires coming from the back of your brake controller, blue, black, white and red. The blue wire is the brake output wire and it will attach to one of the wires in the duplex cable and will be ran back to the trailer connector. The black wire is for 12 volt power from the vehicle battery. This will attach to the other wire from the duplex wire and ran to the vehicle battery via the 20 amp circuit breaker. The white wire is ground and I recommend running this to negative post on the battery, or it can be grounded to a clean, bare metal surface. Finally, the red wire connects to the cold side of the stop light switch at the brake pedal. The red wire will splice to the wire that only carries a signal when the brake pedal is pressed.

I have attached some FAQ articles on brake controller installation for you to check out.