Electric trailer brakes

[Michael Aos]

I have a 2003 Tundra Access Cab. TRD Off-road 4x4, 4.7L.

Just purchased a Load Trail 5x10 dump trailer. Capacity is roughly 2-tons / 2yds.

It has battery-operated hydraulics, and battery-operated emergency breakaway brakes.

My question is whether I need some kind of special electric brake controller to utilize the electric trailer brakes, or do they just work "automagically" -- or is there even an option to utilize the electric brakes in everyday circumstances, or are they emergency / breakaway brakes only?
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[dieselcrawler]

If your tow vehicle has a trailer brake controller, it will apply the trailer brakes when the tow vehicle brakes are applied. Most new trucks have them from the factory, your 03 is likely to not have one. Google and YouTube can easily guide you through the install. Please take the steps needed to get them operating properly.

 

[Michael Aos]

I have no issue taking it in and having a brake controller installed.

I just don't want to bring it in for a brake controller installation -- which they'd be more than happy to perform -- if I don't need it or can't take advantage of it.
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If your tow vehicle has a trailer brake controller, it will apply the trailer brakes when the tow vehicle brakes are applied. Most new trucks have them from the factory, your 03 is likely to not have one. Google and YouTube can easily guide you through the install. Please take the steps needed to get them operating properly.

 

[MossRoad]

I'd imagine it has electric brakes for stopping AND emergency break away.

Yes, you'd need a brake controller to utilize the brakes for stopping. There are many brands. Some trucks come with built in brake controllers as well.

You install the brake controller in the cab, wire it in and it will feed the brakes through the trailer wiring harness.

If you've never used a trailer with brakes and a braked controller, you should really find someone that has so they can show you how to use them.

If you don't have anyone, U-Haul is sometimes a good place to start. They install hitches, brake controllers, etc...

Your break away system uses the same brakes that you use for stopping. It just has a tether that attaches to the tow vehicle. If the trailer breaks away from the hitch, the tether will pull out a switch on the trailer as it falls behind, and that will activate the battery operated circuit to apply the trailer brakes regardless of if the wiring harness to the tow vehicle is connected or not.

 

[fried1765]

I have a 2003 Tundra Access Cab. TRD Off-road 4x4, 4.7L.

Just purchased a Load Trail 5x10 dump trailer. Capacity is roughly 2-tons / 2yds.

It has battery-operated hydraulics, and battery-operated emergency breakaway brakes.

My question is whether I need some kind of special electric brake controller to utilize the electric trailer brakes, or do they just work "automagically" -- or is there even an option to utilize the electric brakes in everyday circumstances, or are they emergency / breakaway brakes only?
--

Yes!
You DO need a brake controller.
You can have it installed at any RV place, or hitch install facility.
Do NOT use your new trailer (loaded) unless, and until, you have a controller installed.
Then,... READ the instructions carefully, and be SURE that you understand how the system works.
The amount of braking desired is adjustable, and how to set it will be described in the brake controller instructions.

 

[KubotainNH]

See the plug in the link below? It has a brake wire and usually a wire that will charge the battery from your tow vehicle. Pretty standard setup for 7 prong trailer plugs. Campers are the same.

http://www.texaspridetrailers.com/p...7-DT-07K-BP-05X10-AND-6X10/images-6X10/13.jpg
7-Way RV Trailer Connector Wiring Diagram | etrailer.com
http://www.airforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78526&d=1239850954

 

[tractchores]

You'll need an electronic brake controller. Not 100% sure, but I believe that year is pre-wired for it, so you just need the controller. The wiring harness should be in the dash, in mine it was on the left side of the driver side footwell, some other years it is on the right side, your manual may tell you. When you mount it make sure you put it in a place where you won't smack it all the time... Got in an accident and broke 2 fingers on mine!

 

[MAX28HST]

I installed controller on my brothers 2013 Tundra and in my 2014 Ram... You will need for your Tundra (if you don't have factory installed controller) - Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Toyota and Lexus Tekonsha Accessories and Parts 3-P and a Controller. I went with - Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional Tekonsha Brake Controller 9885

 

[Diamondpilot]

Absolutely yes, you need a brake controller.

Sounds like you need to visit your trailer dealer or a local trailer hitch shop and have one installed.

Your selling dealer should have never let you leave the lot like that!

 

[kenmac]

I have a 2007. It didn't come with built in controller, I had to purchase a controller. I bought a pig tail from toyota dealer . plugged it in under the dash and wired the controller to pig tail. the rest of the truck from front to rear was pre wired. Don't know about a 2003 model