Recommended Trailer Brake Controller When Switching From Factory Controller on 2016 Toyota Tundra

Updated 06/10/2024 | Published 04/19/2024

Question:

Hello etrailer, I have a 2016 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 1794 Edition that I’m needed to get a replacement brake controller system for. The 2016’s Tundra’s have a known defect with the factory trailer brake system. Wondering if eTrailer has experience with this issue and a recommended fix. From what I’ve read, owners are having to bypass the factory system with an aftermarket controller. We live the Rocky Mountains and pull 25’ Ranger Boat and 18’ heavy utility trailer often. The factory system does not provide near enough stopping power, especially on mountain declines or level emergency stopping. It’s as though we have no trailer brakes at all. Any help and product recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Brice Dancer

asked by: Brice D

Expert Reply:

You can switch from the factory controller to an aftermarket on your 2016 Toyota Tundra Brice. I personally am a big fan of the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 which will connect with the Harness # 3031-P. The reason I like the P3 is the ease of use and versatility. It can work with trailers up to 4 axles and electric or electric over hydraulic brakes. The LCD screen is very easy to read and understand and will even tell you what is wrong and what to check should you have any issues with the controller. When switching to the aftermarket controller you will need to have the factory controller programming removed by a dealer.

expert reply by: Bud M

Randy -.

6/6/2024

You commented that if you replace your Tundra trailer controller with an aftermarket to have the dealer “Deprogram the built in IEM controller”, why? If the truck no longer knows there is a trailer attached what would the OEM controller know or care? I am having the known issue of the OEM turning pre-collision off and taking itself off line on my 2022 Tundra (stating it is my backup lights I added causing the problem) leaving me no trailer brakes, Toyota can't/won’t fix the problem so I’m about to abandon the OEM and use something I know works as I had used the P3 on my 1999 GMC 1 ton with no issues at all

Bud M.

6/9/2024

@Randy- The reason the dealer has to remove the factory controller programming is you will end up with an error since the computer will not see the factory controller anymore.

Randy T.

6/9/2024

Thanks for your reply, My goal is to install a completely separate brake controller just as thought the truck never had one. This way when I’m towing the only hint the truck would have is that I’m in “Tow/Haul” by the gear shift. I don’t have any intention of taping into the factory wiring in any way. It’s from this perspective that I asked why a dealer would have to deprogram the factory controller. I fact I would like the piece of mine knowing it was there “just in case”. I would only have to reconnect the large blue wire back to the factory wire, I would do that back at the 7 pin connector . Thoughts? Randy

Bud M.

6/10/2024

@RandyT If you were to install a separate brake controller around all the factory brake controller wiring then you may not need to have the factory brake controller programming removed. You may need to leave the factory controller plugged in to prevent any error codes from popping up as this is unchartered territory and not something we have tried to do in our shop.