Trailer brake controller - installing Factory OEM Toyota or Aftermarket

[jdgreen]

My 4R will come without the Tow Tech package and I need a trailer brake controller. I've asked the dealership sales, parts, and service departments as well as Toyota Customer Service if the Toyota brake controller can be installed post-delivery. Nobody seems to know.

Assuming that there's a plug & play receptacle under the dash, I assume that an aftermarket controller (i.e. Tekonsha) might work although the 4R owner's manual advises against it. The Curt Echo is a wireless controller that simply plugs into the 7-pin connector next to the trailer hitch and eTrailer states that it's "confirmed to fit 2025 4Runner". However, it mounts in a rather precarious position.

Any thoughts on non-OEM controllers?

 

[Gastan]

If the 2025 4Runner 6th gen is like the 2024-2025 Tacoma 4th gen, then unfortunately if your 4Runner doesn't come with Tow Tech Package factory installed, then it won't have a wiring harness to connect the OEM Toyota controller under the dash. And owners are finding it very difficult to retrofit install it. Even Toyota dealerships can't find a way to add the OEM brake controller

We won't know for sure until 6th gen 4Runner owners start pulling panels under the dash to confirm. But I suspect it'll be the same situation as the Tacoma.

AFTERMARKET

I've seen Tacoma owners installing Redarc trailer brake controller though, so there's aftermarket solutions at least. I've attached a couple of great installation guides for Redarc Electric Brake Controller posted by Tacoma owners:

Aftermarket Trailer Brake Install Guide #1
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/att...tallation-for-2025-4runner-6th-gen-docx.7119/

Aftermarket Trailer Brake Install Guide #2
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/att...instructrions-2025-4runner-6th-gen-docx.7120/

Here's what Redarc brake controller switch looks like installed in blank dash position.

Hope that helps!

 

[jdgreen]

I appreciate those suggestions. I checked eTrailer; REDARC is reasonably priced and looks like a suitable unit. eTrailer shows two REDARC units, one more suitable for off-road use. They also show a Tekonsha wireless unit; higher cost and less convenient installation.

Is it safe to assume that the 4R has a plug and play receptacle for brake controller under the dash?

 

[The_Dark_Knight_Forever]

My 4R will come without the Tow Tech package and I need a trailer brake controller. I've asked the dealership sales, parts, and service departments as well as Toyota Customer Service if the Toyota brake controller can be installed post-delivery. Nobody seems to know.

Assuming that there's a plug & play receptacle under the dash, I assume that an aftermarket controller (i.e. Tekonsha) might work although the 4R owner's manual advises against it. The Curt Echo is a wireless controller that simply plugs into the 7-pin connector next to the trailer hitch and eTrailer states that it's "confirmed to fit 2025 4Runner". However, it mounts in a rather precarious position.

Any thoughts on non-OEM controllers?

I'm also interested to know about this. I wanted the Tow Tech Package on my incoming TRD Sport Premium RWD but it's pretty rare for the RWDs to be built with it. I get it because most people who are towing want 4WDs. I just wanted the Tow Tech Package primarily for the digital rearview mirror but also for rare time(s) I might actually tow something in the next 15 years or so. But if that package can be installed post-delivery with the appropriate software uploaded then I would be interested in having it done at some point.

 

[4RunnerWasStolen!]

If you need the trailer brake controller, why are you getting a 4Runner without it?

In my opinion, it would be worth waiting to get the 4Runner that fits your needs.

 

[The_Dark_Knight_Forever]

If you need the trailer brake controller, why are you getting a 4Runner without it?

In my opinion, it would be worth waiting to get the 4Runner that fits your needs.

I speak for myself by saying that it's not that I really need the Tow Tech Package...it's simply nice to have just in case I might tow something in the future & to improve resale value. For $400 more then why not have it if possible? I primary just wanted it for the Digital Rearview Mirror but those can be installed post delivery if I really want it. I just didn't want a 4WD because of the increased maintenance costs, additional points of failure, not living in an environment that makes it worth the extra thousands of coin & no absolute need to tow anything.

I think some people are willing to buy without some options because those options can be added on post delivery either using OE parts or aftermarket & sometimes for less money than factory. Take for example the Accessories. Those can be purchased for less money than is being charged for them already installed on the vehicle. Most accessories don't require a professional to install them either. $150 for a cargo carpet mat?! That's a pretty arrogant price just to have a mat with Toyota or 4Runner branding on it.
I also think that when the right opportunity presents itself, a deal makes sense & any compromises can be accepted then people will take the deal & figure out how to eliminate the compromises later.

 

[jdgreen]

If you need the trailer brake controller, why are you getting a 4Runner without it?

In my opinion, it would be worth waiting to get the 4Runner that fits your needs.

I eventually did find one with OEM controller and dealer was able to do a dealer trade.
If that hadn't happened, waiting for the right one to come along in normal times might have been an option. But this isn't a normal time. The $400 controller could come with a several thousand dollar tariff.

 

[The_Dark_Knight_Forever]

I eventually did find one with OEM controller and dealer was able to do a dealer trade.
If that hadn't happened, waiting for the right one to come along in normal times might have been an option. But this isn't a normal time. The $400 controller could come with a several thousand dollar tariff.

Congrats on seeking that trade out! Glad to hear you got what you're after there. And you're right, this isn't a normal time to buy...due to tariffs but also due to the new 4Runner generation still in it's infancy of being released into the wild.