The REDARC supplied harness has the diode already preinstalled according to their website. Great Video information, I just took my REDARC Tow Pro Elite out of my Jeep JK and Now it's going into my new 4Runner TRD Offroad.
If you are referring to the harness that comes with the controller itself (as opposed to the vehicle specific ones available from RedArc), I can confirm that this is not the case, at least not at the time we bought ours (early 2020). When used in conjunction with the factory harness connector that came with our 4Runner, dashboard Christmas resulted as soon as manual control was applied. Splicing the diode into the brake light feed circuit corrected that. Because I already had the Toyota end of the harness (and am quite comfortable doing automotive wiring), I didn't bother buying a completed one through RedArc. Helpful information for others, though. Thank you!
Great video. I bought the same controller last year for all the same reasons you stated. Traditional controllers are so clunky and awkward. Mounted mine in the spot to the right of the steering wheel, for better access (at least for me) for emergency, manual use. I considered both spots and the one on the right works for me. I did modify the existing blank plug myself which was the most difficult part - I didn’t find the one you used at the time.
I contemplated that spot as I too felt it would be more convenient. The counter-sunk spot had me worried that I might not be able to grab the knob that easily, so i went to the left, which has worked out fine for on-the-fly adjustments. If memory serves, RedArc's listing for that blank doesn't actually show this generation of 4Runner as one of the applications it fits. Thank you for the compliment, glad you liked it!
Since both the 4Runner and controller came with cables and I'm proficient in electrical work, it was easy for me to make my own by joining the two. Good suggestion, as I wouldn't have even thought to investigate the pre-made option.
Can you provide the diode value you used and a little more information about the installation? I have a 2020 4Runner and have ordered the RedArc as well. I plan to use the supplied Toyota harness as well. Thanks in advance.
It was late by the time I'd finished installing and videoing, so when the PCS malfunction occurred and I figured out the solution, I just grabbed a diode I had handy from a container of components I have and made the repair. Never even thought to record it. If memory serves, it's a 1/4 Watt rectifier diode, though you could probably use something with a lower rating as there's very little current applied. It's oriented to permit power from the truck's brake light circuit to reach to controller as an input, but not be fed back out, so no truck/trailer brake lights on with the controller applied manually, but normal function in all other ways. I'd be happy to elaborate if you have any other specific questions about the job.
I noticed you used the factory Toyota wiring harness that comes in the glove box of new 4Runners. I have a used 2011 and it did not have the harness in the glove box so I clipped off the male plug end and used butt connectors to connect the grey Toyota wire to the black Redarc wire. White & black striped Toyota wire to the white Redarc wire. Small blue Toyota wire to the red Redarc wire & finally the thick green Toyota wire to the blue Redarc wire. Basically bypassing the harness. Like in the video here, did not use the thin green wire.
That would definitely be the best solution if you didn't have the interface plug. Not having pre-collision, I'm assuming that your truck was fine having the brake lights activated by applying the controller manually, so probably no need for diodes. PCS did not like that one bit on ours! (Adding the diode to that circuit solved the problem in our truck.)
Update: Towed 2 different trailers and all working well. I would highly recommend buying the Toyota harness (mine didn't have one in the glove box) but if you're in a pinch, these color matches do work.
On the redarc website they state that the 2018+ year model runners have a diode that's factory installed in the tow package that prevents the voltage from back feeding. But according to your video here, they doesn't seem to be true as you had to install your own. I purchased the tph-021 harness that's vehicle specific bc the folks over at etrailer say the diode is built into the harness. After i installed it into my 2022 runner i didn't get any warming lights on the dash. I did however get fault codes on my redarc knob. All wiring is fine and I'm wondering if the tph-021 harness is my issue. The redarc website recommends to splice in the factory supplied jumper harness as you've done but without the diode as they say one is factory installed. I'm just so confused from the conflicting information i don't know how to rectify my fault issue. I've seen multiple other people install the tph-021 harness on newer Runners without any problems. I just don't understand.
At the time that I did my installation, the 4Runner's pre-collision system was so recent of an addition to the model that there wasn't much information out there. No mention of any of that then, and I merged the RedArc harness with the adapter Toyota left in the glovebox as seen in the video. I didn't notice a diode in that harness, so I guess Toyota didn't see fit to include one. The diode I spliced in was just me thinking on my feet as a tech that does a lot of auto electrical. Our RedArc is still working great - actually had to perform a shorter than comfortable stop on the weekend from about 80K/50mph and I could feel the trailer helping appropriately (thankfully!). If you can isolate the brake signal feed wire in yours you can just backfeed 12 volts in to it to simulate you pressing the brake and eliminate the truck. (The power, ground, and controller output will still be to/from the truck, of course. And the RedArc won't fully power up until it senses a connected trailer, so you'll have to do that or spoof the load with a head light bulb or something. Good luck!
In applications where one of RedArc's blanks will fit, no drilling is required to mount the control knob. Our 4Runner wasn't one of the listed models, but I guessed by the shape that one for other Toyotas was right, and it was. (And will be, right up to the 2023 model year.) Worst case, you'd have to drill a small hole. If your vehicle has blank switches, you could use one of those, and if you ever wanted to return it to stock, you'd just need to find another switch blank. Now, mounting the actual control unit, you might have to drill a hole or two, but I was able to find spots in our 4Runner that lined up well enough that I didn't. (At least any of those holes would be out of sight anyway...) My only "complaint" is that the supplied, numbered bezel prevents the knob from being pushed, or at least did in mine. M pretty sure that RedArc has a new knob style now, so the new one might fit better.
Hi Peter, sorry to take a while to get back, was on vacation! The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, we got ours from etrailer.com: www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/Redarc/RED44FR.html The switch blank that did fit our 2020 4Runner (and should fit any 4th-gen 4Runner): www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Redarc/331-TPSI-002.html Cheers!
Mrs.2BlackStripes likes to be well equipped, so I'm confident that we're over the trailer's GVWR. I try to avoid carrying more than an absolute minimum of fresh water to avoid adding to that weight at least, filling up at the campground if there isn't "city water" hookup. I mention all that for context. The 4Runner definitely knows it's back there, and as per Toyota's recommendation, we tow in "S4", locking out 5th. We also have equalizer bars and a sway brake that I usually use when it's loaded; they do help with stability and rear axle bounce over bumps. Our storage location is under 20 minutes from home, and I just use the factory drawbar to and from, with no issues, so if your trailer isn't bursting at the seams, you may be fine like that. The only quirk I've noticed is likely down to the single axle, and that's a sensitivity to larger vehicles traveling the same direction and their position relative to the trailer. If they're behind the axle (or ahead of the axle), I can feel air pressure pushing the tongue sideways a bit, enough that I have to apply a very small amount of correction to the steering. Unnerving at first, now I don't really notice it. Provided the brakes and controller are adjusted correctly (you probably will end up making minor adjustments to gain as you're traveling), that should be fine too. Just have to remember that even with the trailer helping, your stopping distance will still be muuuuch longer. Good luck, and happy camping!
The parking light electrical feed is necessary on some trailers to activate the remote bluetooth cameras. Sure appreciate your video. Wish it had been on a 2017 but I'll manage.
Appreciate the positive feedback, thank you! I suspect that the installation will be otherwise the same. The pre-collision system was introduced on the 2020 models, and I don't think that at the time many folks had encountered that issue. Although another viewer suggests that newer RedArc Elites come with a diode, I can't say for certain if that's the case, or if RedArc or anyone has updated their information to reflect that. Theoretically, this PCS brake signal feedback error would be a problem with any brake controller, not just RedArc's. I'm a working tech that specializes in electrical, so I just quickly cobbled up the diode work-around, and the controller has worked perfectly since. It just won't activate the truck or trailer's brake lights if I manually apply the controller without also applying the truck's brakes as well. I can live with that compromise. I fully expect that your 2017 will be virtually identical (other than that 2020+ issue) as the interior trim and trailer wiring itself is probably exactly the same. Toyota's changes to these trucks has been incremental for the most part - a plus in my eyes. Your brake lights should also apply with the controller's manual function, of course. Good luck, have fun, and enjoy!
Our trailer is a single axle rated within a few pounds of 3500. We're probably at that or a few over. Our economy varies considerably with speed. On a trip with a subtle but consistent gain in altitude where we tried to stay with the flow of traffic (110-115 km/h or ~70 mph) we saw somewhere in the 27L/100 km (~9 mpg) range in the trip computer, and nearly ran out of fuel from a full tank in under 300 km. Keeping it closer to 100-105 (65ish) on less hilly terrain still sees us into the high teens to 20L/100 km range (so, closer to 12 mpg). That's also following Toyota's direction to use "S" mode to manually lock out 5th gear. The 4Runner's gearing is such that 5th is just a bit too tall most of the time anyway. This vehicle may be rated for 5000 lbs and would likely move it, but it wouldn't be happy. I'm glad it has the ancient but bulletproof 5 speed auto in most ways, but having 6 gears to choose from would probably help the towing mileage appreciably.
Hi Math123, I used the harness supplied with the Redarc controller and connected it to the factory jumper harness that was in the glovebox of our 4Runner when we bought it (Toyota part number 82132-60110). I specialize in vehicle electrical work, so patching a simple harness together was easiest for me. I had a look at Redarc's website to see the harness you've mentioned, and the listing suggests that TPH-021 is for '14 to '19 4Runners. I can't say if Toyota changed their connector for 2020 and newer models, but it is possible. Also possible that the Redarc TPH--021 would plug right in, but cause the same feedback issue, since it's unclear whether a diode is built in to that harness, and 2019 and older 4Runners did not have the pre-collision system and may not have needed one.
You do not need to pull all these bolts/panels, the left side panel will just pull free and you can run wiring to all the blanks. i've done this over and over to put ditch lights, front bumper lights, etc. This will save you a ton of time,
You're probably 100% right. As stated in the video, the primary purpose for my removing that was not to access the blanks (you could even just reach up from underneath for the lower one for sure, probably the upper ones too), but to mount the brake controller's module. It's possible that I could have done that without pulling the panel as well, however it's simple enough to remove and made my life much easier. Having it out of the way also made filming easier! Now that I've tracked down a Party Mode switch, I can finally put that in to the factory location, and I'll give your suggestion a go for sure. Thanks for viewing, and thanks for the feedback!
It's definitely a solid alternative, and would save having to fuss with mounting the Tow-Pro under the dash of our truck. I decided to go with a unit mounted to the truck, rather than the trailer, on the off chance that I end up towing a different trailer at some point, either my camping buddy's (if his tow vehicle had a mechanical problem while away), or a large utility trailer that I have access to. If that were not the case, or if we had multiple tow vehicles and one trailer (such as a property maintenance fleet sharing a deck trailer), the Tekonsha would be a great choice.
Redarc make the best brake controllers anywhere period. They are not the cheapest but would you want cheap braking control, or simply the best and most reliable.
No need to splice together your own harness, Redarc makes one that fits the 4runner/Prado/GX here: *Toyota suitable Tow-Pro Brake Controller Harness (TPH-021):* redarcelectronics.com/products/tow-pro-brake-controller-harness-to-suit-toyota-tph-021
Thank you for the link! After looking as closely as possible at the single image provided by etrailer.com, I don't see a diode integrated into that harness, so while it would indeed save joining the Toyota OE connector to the one that comes with the Tow-Pro, I think you'd still find yourself having to splice in a diode in a 2020 or newer 4Runner to keep the PCS happy. It would probably be a nice, simple, plug-n-play for 2019 and older models though - I appreciate you sharing that with me!
I never knew i’d laugh and smile so much watching a video about a trailer brake controller😆😆Thank you for the video!!
Glad that you enjoyed it! I appreciate it!
The REDARC supplied harness has the diode already preinstalled according to their website. Great Video information, I just took my REDARC Tow Pro Elite out of my Jeep JK and Now it's going into my new 4Runner TRD Offroad.
If you are referring to the harness that comes with the controller itself (as opposed to the vehicle specific ones available from RedArc), I can confirm that this is not the case, at least not at the time we bought ours (early 2020). When used in conjunction with the factory harness connector that came with our 4Runner, dashboard Christmas resulted as soon as manual control was applied. Splicing the diode into the brake light feed circuit corrected that. Because I already had the Toyota end of the harness (and am quite comfortable doing automotive wiring), I didn't bother buying a completed one through RedArc. Helpful information for others, though. Thank you!
Great video. I bought the same controller last year for all the same reasons you stated. Traditional controllers are so clunky and awkward. Mounted mine in the spot to the right of the steering wheel, for better access (at least for me) for emergency, manual use. I considered both spots and the one on the right works for me. I did modify the existing blank plug myself which was the most difficult part - I didn’t find the one you used at the time.
I contemplated that spot as I too felt it would be more convenient. The counter-sunk spot had me worried that I might not be able to grab the knob that easily, so i went to the left, which has worked out fine for on-the-fly adjustments. If memory serves, RedArc's listing for that blank doesn't actually show this generation of 4Runner as one of the applications it fits.
Thank you for the compliment, glad you liked it!
eTrailer carries factory to brake controller patch cables. I have the Redarc installed on my 2019 Pathfinder and used a patch cable. Fast and easy.
Since both the 4Runner and controller came with cables and I'm proficient in electrical work, it was easy for me to make my own by joining the two. Good suggestion, as I wouldn't have even thought to investigate the pre-made option.
Can you provide the diode value you used and a little more information about the installation? I have a 2020 4Runner and have ordered the RedArc as well. I plan to use the supplied Toyota harness as well. Thanks in advance.
It was late by the time I'd finished installing and videoing, so when the PCS malfunction occurred and I figured out the solution, I just grabbed a diode I had handy from a container of components I have and made the repair. Never even thought to record it.
If memory serves, it's a 1/4 Watt rectifier diode, though you could probably use something with a lower rating as there's very little current applied. It's oriented to permit power from the truck's brake light circuit to reach to controller as an input, but not be fed back out, so no truck/trailer brake lights on with the controller applied manually, but normal function in all other ways.
I'd be happy to elaborate if you have any other specific questions about the job.
I noticed you used the factory Toyota wiring harness that comes in the glove box of new 4Runners. I have a used 2011 and it did not have the harness in the glove box so I clipped off the male plug end and used butt connectors to connect the grey Toyota wire to the black Redarc wire. White & black striped Toyota wire to the white Redarc wire. Small blue Toyota wire to the red Redarc wire & finally the thick green Toyota wire to the blue Redarc wire. Basically bypassing the harness. Like in the video here, did not use the thin green wire.
That would definitely be the best solution if you didn't have the interface plug. Not having pre-collision, I'm assuming that your truck was fine having the brake lights activated by applying the controller manually, so probably no need for diodes. PCS did not like that one bit on ours! (Adding the diode to that circuit solved the problem in our truck.)
Update: Towed 2 different trailers and all working well. I would highly recommend buying the Toyota harness (mine didn't have one in the glove box) but if you're in a pinch, these color matches do work.
On the redarc website they state that the 2018+ year model runners have a diode that's factory installed in the tow package that prevents the voltage from back feeding. But according to your video here, they doesn't seem to be true as you had to install your own. I purchased the tph-021 harness that's vehicle specific bc the folks over at etrailer say the diode is built into the harness. After i installed it into my 2022 runner i didn't get any warming lights on the dash. I did however get fault codes on my redarc knob. All wiring is fine and I'm wondering if the tph-021 harness is my issue. The redarc website recommends to splice in the factory supplied jumper harness as you've done but without the diode as they say one is factory installed. I'm just so confused from the conflicting information i don't know how to rectify my fault issue. I've seen multiple other people install the tph-021 harness on newer Runners without any problems. I just don't understand.
At the time that I did my installation, the 4Runner's pre-collision system was so recent of an addition to the model that there wasn't much information out there. No mention of any of that then, and I merged the RedArc harness with the adapter Toyota left in the glovebox as seen in the video. I didn't notice a diode in that harness, so I guess Toyota didn't see fit to include one.
The diode I spliced in was just me thinking on my feet as a tech that does a lot of auto electrical.
Our RedArc is still working great - actually had to perform a shorter than comfortable stop on the weekend from about 80K/50mph and I could feel the trailer helping appropriately (thankfully!).
If you can isolate the brake signal feed wire in yours you can just backfeed 12 volts in to it to simulate you pressing the brake and eliminate the truck. (The power, ground, and controller output will still be to/from the truck, of course. And the RedArc won't fully power up until it senses a connected trailer, so you'll have to do that or spoof the load with a head light bulb or something.
Good luck!
So no drilling required? About to go add this.
In applications where one of RedArc's blanks will fit, no drilling is required to mount the control knob. Our 4Runner wasn't one of the listed models, but I guessed by the shape that one for other Toyotas was right, and it was. (And will be, right up to the 2023 model year.)
Worst case, you'd have to drill a small hole. If your vehicle has blank switches, you could use one of those, and if you ever wanted to return it to stock, you'd just need to find another switch blank.
Now, mounting the actual control unit, you might have to drill a hole or two, but I was able to find spots in our 4Runner that lined up well enough that I didn't. (At least any of those holes would be out of sight anyway...)
My only "complaint" is that the supplied, numbered bezel prevents the knob from being pushed, or at least did in mine. M pretty sure that RedArc has a new knob style now, so the new one might fit better.
Just installed the same break control very easy to install
Do you have a link for both the controller and the switch holder that you could share with me?
Hi Peter, sorry to take a while to get back, was on vacation!
The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, we got ours from etrailer.com: www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/Redarc/RED44FR.html
The switch blank that did fit our 2020 4Runner (and should fit any 4th-gen 4Runner): www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Redarc/331-TPSI-002.html
Cheers!
How is it towing with that trailer? I am about to tow with a very similar weight.
Mrs.2BlackStripes likes to be well equipped, so I'm confident that we're over the trailer's GVWR. I try to avoid carrying more than an absolute minimum of fresh water to avoid adding to that weight at least, filling up at the campground if there isn't "city water" hookup.
I mention all that for context.
The 4Runner definitely knows it's back there, and as per Toyota's recommendation, we tow in "S4", locking out 5th. We also have equalizer bars and a sway brake that I usually use when it's loaded; they do help with stability and rear axle bounce over bumps. Our storage location is under 20 minutes from home, and I just use the factory drawbar to and from, with no issues, so if your trailer isn't bursting at the seams, you may be fine like that.
The only quirk I've noticed is likely down to the single axle, and that's a sensitivity to larger vehicles traveling the same direction and their position relative to the trailer. If they're behind the axle (or ahead of the axle), I can feel air pressure pushing the tongue sideways a bit, enough that I have to apply a very small amount of correction to the steering. Unnerving at first, now I don't really notice it.
Provided the brakes and controller are adjusted correctly (you probably will end up making minor adjustments to gain as you're traveling), that should be fine too. Just have to remember that even with the trailer helping, your stopping distance will still be muuuuch longer.
Good luck, and happy camping!
The parking light electrical feed is necessary on some trailers to activate the remote bluetooth cameras. Sure appreciate your video. Wish it had been on a 2017 but I'll manage.
Appreciate the positive feedback, thank you!
I suspect that the installation will be otherwise the same. The pre-collision system was introduced on the 2020 models, and I don't think that at the time many folks had encountered that issue. Although another viewer suggests that newer RedArc Elites come with a diode, I can't say for certain if that's the case, or if RedArc or anyone has updated their information to reflect that. Theoretically, this PCS brake signal feedback error would be a problem with any brake controller, not just RedArc's.
I'm a working tech that specializes in electrical, so I just quickly cobbled up the diode work-around, and the controller has worked perfectly since. It just won't activate the truck or trailer's brake lights if I manually apply the controller without also applying the truck's brakes as well. I can live with that compromise.
I fully expect that your 2017 will be virtually identical (other than that 2020+ issue) as the interior trim and trailer wiring itself is probably exactly the same. Toyota's changes to these trucks has been incremental for the most part - a plus in my eyes. Your brake lights should also apply with the controller's manual function, of course.
Good luck, have fun, and enjoy!
Awesome video thank you! We have a 2021 4Runner Limited 4x4. What is your towing fuel economy & trailer weight?
Our trailer is a single axle rated within a few pounds of 3500. We're probably at that or a few over. Our economy varies considerably with speed. On a trip with a subtle but consistent gain in altitude where we tried to stay with the flow of traffic (110-115 km/h or ~70 mph) we saw somewhere in the 27L/100 km (~9 mpg) range in the trip computer, and nearly ran out of fuel from a full tank in under 300 km.
Keeping it closer to 100-105 (65ish) on less hilly terrain still sees us into the high teens to 20L/100 km range (so, closer to 12 mpg). That's also following Toyota's direction to use "S" mode to manually lock out 5th gear. The 4Runner's gearing is such that 5th is just a bit too tall most of the time anyway.
This vehicle may be rated for 5000 lbs and would likely move it, but it wouldn't be happy. I'm glad it has the ancient but bulletproof 5 speed auto in most ways, but having 6 gears to choose from would probably help the towing mileage appreciably.
@@2BlackStripes Thank you for the data!
An 8sp transmission is greatly needed!
Hi, i see that from 9m25s there few wiring to do i was wondering if you needed the Redarc TPH-021 at any point during your connection?
Hi Math123, I used the harness supplied with the Redarc controller and connected it to the factory jumper harness that was in the glovebox of our 4Runner when we bought it (Toyota part number 82132-60110). I specialize in vehicle electrical work, so patching a simple harness together was easiest for me. I had a look at Redarc's website to see the harness you've mentioned, and the listing suggests that TPH-021 is for '14 to '19 4Runners. I can't say if Toyota changed their connector for 2020 and newer models, but it is possible. Also possible that the Redarc TPH--021 would plug right in, but cause the same feedback issue, since it's unclear whether a diode is built in to that harness, and 2019 and older 4Runners did not have the pre-collision system and may not have needed one.
Great video! Thanks for making it
Thank you for the positive feedback!
You do not need to pull all these bolts/panels, the left side panel will just pull free and you can run wiring to all the blanks.
i've done this over and over to put ditch lights, front bumper lights, etc. This will save you a ton of time,
You're probably 100% right. As stated in the video, the primary purpose for my removing that was not to access the blanks (you could even just reach up from underneath for the lower one for sure, probably the upper ones too), but to mount the brake controller's module. It's possible that I could have done that without pulling the panel as well, however it's simple enough to remove and made my life much easier. Having it out of the way also made filming easier!
Now that I've tracked down a Party Mode switch, I can finally put that in to the factory location, and I'll give your suggestion a go for sure.
Thanks for viewing, and thanks for the feedback!
Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Control
I used it with my 4runner since 2019 with similar trailer
It's definitely a solid alternative, and would save having to fuss with mounting the Tow-Pro under the dash of our truck.
I decided to go with a unit mounted to the truck, rather than the trailer, on the off chance that I end up towing a different trailer at some point, either my camping buddy's (if his tow vehicle had a mechanical problem while away), or a large utility trailer that I have access to.
If that were not the case, or if we had multiple tow vehicles and one trailer (such as a property maintenance fleet sharing a deck trailer), the Tekonsha would be a great choice.
There’s prewiring under the blank button.
Party mode!!!🎉😎
Redarc make the best brake controllers anywhere period. They are not the cheapest but would you want cheap braking control, or simply the best and most reliable.
Exactly. We've used it on several trips now and I'm quite pleased with it. I've personally recommended one to a few people now.
bahahaha "chances are you've got enough excitement"
Are you Seth Rogan ?
Similar sound, very different income levels!
No need to splice together your own harness, Redarc makes one that fits the 4runner/Prado/GX here:
*Toyota suitable Tow-Pro Brake Controller Harness (TPH-021):* redarcelectronics.com/products/tow-pro-brake-controller-harness-to-suit-toyota-tph-021
Thank you for the link!
After looking as closely as possible at the single image provided by etrailer.com, I don't see a diode integrated into that harness, so while it would indeed save joining the Toyota OE connector to the one that comes with the Tow-Pro, I think you'd still find yourself having to splice in a diode in a 2020 or newer 4Runner to keep the PCS happy. It would probably be a nice, simple, plug-n-play for 2019 and older models though - I appreciate you sharing that with me!