Wired Trailer Brake Controller for 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Question

Question:

I ordered and received a Curt Echo wireless brake controller..thinking I needed it for 2 different vehicles to tow my camper i bought recently. After further checking, I found out that my Chevy Silverado has a brake controller. So I just need a brake controller for my 08 Toyota FJ Cruiser. I have decided to install a wired brake controller so I wont have to worry about theft. I will be purchasing the wired in brake controller from Etrailer

asked by: James W

0

Expert Reply:

Hey James,

That's great thinking, I personally prefer a wired brake controller over wireless as well. It's great for being theft-proof, but it's also just a more reliable setup in general.

I recommend going with a Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty. The kit for your 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness # RED52VR. This brake controller will splice into the 7-way wiring harness on your FJ, so it's not a simple plug-and-play installation like the # C51180, but once it's installed, you won't have to mess with it again. The footprint of the install is incredibly small, with only the knob being visible, and it's the size of a typical volume knob in the vehicle so you're not going to hit your knee on the brake controller every time you enter the vehicle.

Where are you planning on taking the camper? Are you getting it installed for an upcoming trip or just getting prepared so you can hit the road whenever you want to?

expert reply by: Jerry B

0

James W.

8/31/2026

We are definitely going to start using it soon. Will be taking it hunting late October. My truck is set up with a brake controller already...but I need to get 1 on my FJ. I know my 7 pin is just wired for lights,signals,and brakes. So will need to pull off my battery and wire back to my 7 pin.

Jerry B.

9/1/2026

@JamesW Is the 7-way a factory plug or was it aftermarket? It should be run to the battery already, but if it was an aftermarket installation, someone could have skipped a step or two.

Dave

9/1/2026

@JerryB I used a multimeter to check power to the 1 o'clock pin and had nothing. So I'm assuming it has only power for lights..not electric brakes and controller

Jerry B.

9/1/2026

@Dave In this link, there's a photo that shows the standard factory wiring for 7-way vehicle wiring just for your reference. The pin in the 1:00 position will typically be for 12V power from the battery so you're right, if there's no power there probably isn't a connection. Same for the 5:00 position with a brake controller, if you trace the blue wire and there's nothing on the end, then it will need to be connected to get that brake controller operational.

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faq-wiring.aspx#:~:text=note%3a%20to,manchester%2c%20md

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Wired Trailer Brake Controller for 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

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