Brake controller location

I’m going to install a Tekonsha Primus IQ on my “new” (to me) 2007 Double Cab. I was planning on putting it right below my VSC switch to the right of the steering wheel. But not sure what the “vent” is for. Do I need to worry about this vent? Thx for the advice!

 

I would recommend first of all....I think the primus IQ is outdated and the minimum should be a Prodigy P2 because I think it's a better controller. Mine is a Prodigy (red display, similar to the primus IQ but "smaller" form factor) and you can only get the better P2 now.

Below is a picture of where I put mine. The upside is it also fits perfectly in this location without ANY modification. Simply take off the trim piece, take off the plastic pocket, slide the controller into the space, and put the screw into each side of the brake controller that would have been used to mount it to the mount. This will use the natural outward pressure on the controller to push the screws against the backside of the trim and it won't come out. No glue and no cutting needed.

There is one issue with putting it here.....the harness from Tekonsha is not long enough to go from the factory plug by the e-brake to the location, I had to cut it in the middle and splice in some extra wire to get the length needed.

That said, I love the location and it is very easy to reach should I need to flip the manual override while towing without having to bend down/lean forward to find the lever. It is easily reached in this location and I also don't wack the thing with my knee when I get in. Win Win for me.

 

Thx for info kparrow. So, did u put screws in side of controller and then push it into space?

 

Nope, I'll try to get you a picture today, but I took the whole trim piece out that holds the 3 buttons, took the plastic pocket out, and then pushed the controller through the opening. Once it was through the opening, I put the screws into the controller. I had to put some pressure on the controller rearwards to get the screw holes to be accessible for putting the screws in. This created some tension on the screws once they were in and that is what holds it in. I hope that makes sense.

 

Sorry it took so long. Here’s some pictures of the backside with a Prodigy/P2 controller body

 

Mine is mounted under the traction control button and it does feel like it can be in the way at times, kinda annoying. Definitely like kparrow's install much more. Assuming the controller will fit.

 

Thx kparrow! I like the way that looks and as I was driving yesterday and was teaching different spots the brake controller could go. I think you’re right, this is probably the best spot if you actually need the manual override while driving.

Quick question - I’ve never popped any dash panels off. Do you use a plastic tool? Any advice?

Thanks again!!!

 

I've got my Tekonsha P3 in the same spot as kparrow's controller. I just jammed it in there and holds tight with no screws. BTW OP, that "vent" is the mic for the hands-free speakerphone.

 

Ah! Thanks! I was still scratching my head on that one.

 

Take a quick look at the pics, you can see that there is 2 retaining clips on each side and two on the top. For this panel honestly I used my pocket knife to get it out, just start at where one of the clips is and work your way around the side, top, then side, prying lightly. They should release.

For the controller harness, again I had to splice in extra wire on the leads and ground wire. One of the leads (for the brakes) is a thicker gauge than the others.

Best of luck!

 

Quick wiring question - did you use a solder gun to connect extra wire? Or just some clamps and tape?

 

Whatever you are comfortable with. I generally solder and heat shrink, but have also used many a butt splice as well when I'm not in the mood to bust out the soldering iron. Either way is good. Butt splice is quick, and if I'm gonna use those I get the ones with built in heat shrink because they have adhesive lined heat shrink on em which will keep it good and sealed. Up to you.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner...at-Shrink-Assortment-24-Pack-GBX-TK/205861923

 

I would solder. The one thing you don't want is for your brake controller to have issues while towing. I used the factory supplied harness and the one that came with my P3 to make it long enough to reach. I used heat shrink as well but electrical tape would also work. My problem is the truck sits for long periods of time and the display on the P3 stays on (I think it's an older version as the new ones don't seam to do that). So I only plug it in when I'm going to be towing. That means it can't be held in place with screws.

 

I have the Tekonsha Primus IQ too and mounted it in the pocket below the Tow/Haul button. It took a little doing but it's in there.

 

Well there ya go! All 3 main Tekonsha controllers work in that location. Awesome!

 

It should fit between the two outlets under the radio in that slot. Out of the way of everything.

 

You can get some plastic panel pry tools from auto zone. If you plan on pulling door panels or trim they are helpful and actually work. 10-15 dollars i think for a set.

Though, a small flat head screwdrive with a wrap of electrical tape seems to work just as well.. Eh, lol.


Question for those with the above brake controller install. Does the unit y'all have require it to be leveled or something similar? Or is that just the older ones like mine?

 

These ones have to be level right to left and the prodigy and the primus can be mounted up to 70 degrees vertical I believe. The p2 and p3 can be vertical if you wanted I believe

 

I'm curious how this works...at least with a P3. You have a manual lever on the bottom that is critical to get to in case you start getting the wags and need to brake the trailer only to pull the wag out. Are you guys just putting it in there and not using the bottom mount lever anymore?

 

I know it was hard to see in my original pic so I lightened it up. For my Prodigy/P2 controller you can see the manual throw lever is accessible still. Controller is in the pocket till it hits the lever.

 

Oh wow, thanks, makes more sense now.

I just put my P3 down under the Bluetooth mic, I’m lazy I guess.

 

Same deal with the P3.

 

Congrats on Tundra, I too just picked up 08. Will be installing brake controller and really like that location in pic.

 

I mounted mine where the ashtray goes. I pulled out the ashtray, unscrewed the 2 screws that hold the bracket on and used the same 2 screws and holes to mount the brake controller bracket for the Tekonsha P3 and ran the harness behind the dash.

 

@kparrow Thanks for the pictures. I'm looking at getting a P2 and this location is perfect.

 

We will have this available soon. Just finalizing installation instructions then will have them available on our website. This is available for the 07-13 with center console. You will need to modify the back of the panel in certain years but not sure the years yet. It is for the P3 only as well.

 

The mic is actually in the overhead console (if you have one).

 

@havasubud What ever happened with this product? Just checked out the website and didn't see it. My P3 just came in the other day and I'm debating where to put it, I like your look!

 

Spoke to the company in December.

Issue with solving the problem of running wires to that location, too far away.

Greg

 

So we were trying to get the plug and play harness made in an extended length, but no one could find the correct connectors. I have put a couple in, and I have plenty of the faceplates made, but have been hesitant to release them. The other problem is Toyota has the power ports two different ways and we have the plates going one way so the factory panel has to be trimmed.