Recommended 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller for a 2003 Toyota Tacoma  

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Expert Reply:

There sure is Frank and you will definitely need a 7-way connector. To add a 7-Way connector and brake controller to your 2003 Toyota Tacoma, I recommend the Universal Installation Kit item # ETBC7, No-Drill Bracket item # C57202, and the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty item # RED52VR.

The Universal Installation Kit item # ETBC7 comes with a 7-way and 4-way trailer connector, all of the wiring, circuit breakers, and a mounting bracket you'll need to get it installed. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle like yours with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it. Adding the No-Drill Bracket item # C57202 will allow you to attach the 7-way connector to your Tacoma's hitch with a steel hose clamp so you don't have to drill into the fascia.

You will then connect the black wire to the positive post on your Tacoma's battery, the white wire to a suitable ground, the blue wire to the brake controller, and the yellow wire to your truck's reverse circuit. The item # ETBC7 will provide you with the ability to control your trailer's lighting functions, brakes, and also provide you with a 12v power wire for you trailer's battery. Your 4-way connector only operates your trailer's lights. You need the additional circuits the 7-way provides to control the brakes.

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness item # RED52VR is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer's brakes when your Tacoma decelerates. This the safest and most reliable way to slow or stop your trailer without adding additional stress to your truck and trailer.

I really like the Tow-Pro Liberty item # RED52VR because of its quick setup process and the unique installation method where the only visible portion is the control knob that's about the size of a nickel. The main unit is hidden away inside your dash to be completely out of the way and out of sight. The universal harness included is all you'll need to complete the installation.

I attached a couple of wiring diagrams below so you can see how the Universal Installation Kit item # ETBC7 and the Tow-Pro Liberty item # RED52VR get installed. I also linked a couple of installation videos below as well.

What kind of trailer are you pulling?

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expert reply by: Jerred H

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ETBC7
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RED52VR
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