Will Adding An Aftermarket Brake Controller To A 2020 Toyota Tundra Increase The Stopping Power?

Updated 04/29/2026 | Published 04/27/2026

Question:

My factory installed integrated brake controller doesn’t have enough stopping power 2020 Toyota tundra even when gain is set to max. From what I research it seems to be a common issue with the tundras. How does the red42cr integrate with the truck? does it bypass the factory one, work in conjunction with it, Is there an install video specific to tundra? Thank you!

asked by: Tom

Toyota Tundra Factory Brake Controller
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Tom, thanks for reaching out. If your factory controller is truly maxed out, it should already be sending close to full voltage back to the trailer brakes, so swapping to the Redarc won’t increase the raw output voltage itself. The # RED42CR does bypass the factory controller completely, so it would take over all braking control, but it won’t magically add more “power” if the limitation is somewhere else in the system.

What it can do is give you much better control and feel, since it’s a true proportional controller with smoother, more consistent brake application. That said, what you’re describing on the Tundra is often tied to the trailer side, things like worn brake shoes, out-of-adjustment brakes, weak magnets, poor grounds, or even wiring voltage drop. I’d definitely take a close look at the trailer brakes themselves and make sure they’re properly adjusted and in good shape before swapping controllers.

If everything on the trailer checks out and you still want a more predictable, confident braking feel, the Redarc is a solid upgrade, just think of it as improving control and responsiveness rather than increasing maximum braking output.

I'm afraid we don't have any videos specific to the Tundra, but the # RED42CR comes with a custom harness so its a fairly straightforward plug-in install.

What kind of trailer do you have? How old are the brakes?

expert reply by: Jesse M