What Redarc Brake Controller do I Need for My 2018 Toyota Tundra with OEM Brake Controller?

Updated 08/11/2025 | Published 08/04/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2506)

$217.00

Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(494)

$27.00

Question:

I have a 2018 Toyota Tundra with the factory brake controller and 7 pin connector. Will the RED98CR controller be a direct plug in replacement for the factory controller and will there be any issues with error codes with it disconnected? Thank you

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Hello Mike,

I take it you are having issues with your OEM brake controller or you would not be inquiring about a new one. You are not alone, this is a common issue with all the different trucks OEM brake controllers.

I have heard that if you unplug the OEM brake controller it will throw out warning codes, I read on a forum, "These only disappeared when they plugged the factory controller back in, even though it wasn’t used, just plugged in to “fool” the system." I would reach out to Toyota, or check your owners manual to see if there is a way to deactivate the controller.

You will want the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional # RED68CR. If you go to the page and it say's it does not fit, please ignore that as I am getting the page update. I confirmed with Redarc that the # RED99FR is the correct the vehicle specific pigtail for your 2018 Toyota Tundra. The # RED99FR is included with the # RED68CR.

What kind of trailer are you going to be towing?

expert reply by: Kate F

Mike

8/7/2025

Thanks Kate I would be towing a Jayco 26bhs. Would the Redarc pigtail connect to the same harness that the current controller is plugged into? I saw a similar comment about leaving the current controller connected to 'fool' the truck diagnostics, but that person had direct wired the replacement controller without using the vehicle harness.

Kate F.

8/7/2025

@Mike I just reached out to one of my buddies here that has delt with this issue directly. He said that you can unplug the OEM one and install the Redarc, you will have annoying codes that will flash on the OEM controller but the Redarc will still work just fine. You can get the computer flashed on your Tundra to get rid of these error codes. He said in his experience you can clear the error codes so they are not flashing and they will go away until you restart the truck again. But if you get your computer flashed it will get rid of it. If the dealership wants to charge too much, or you don't want to deal with clearing codes every time you start the truck, you could splice in the # RED52VR. If it were me, I would call the dealership first to see how much they want to charge. I found this as well about your OEM brake controller about disabling controller: Here's how to address the issue: - Visit a Toyota Dealership or Qualified Mechanic: The most reliable way to clear the codes and prevent future issues is to have a Toyota dealership or a mechanic with access to Toyota's diagnostic software (Techstream) flash the ECM. - They can properly disable the OEM brake controller functionality within the system, ensuring the error codes are gone and no further issues arise.

Mike

8/7/2025

Thanks for the detailed information Kate!