Whether you’re looking to tow for work or adventure, we’ve put together some simple step-by-step instructions for installing a Tow-Pro into your 2019 – 2021 Toyota 4Runner. No matter if you’re going to stick to the highways or get as far off-road as possible, REDARC has the best brake controller for your Toyota.
Choosing between the Tow-Pro Elite and Liberty
Deciding on the right brake controller for your setup will depend on where you’re planning to travel. The Tow-Pro Elite is the best controller for all terrain, all weather towing, with its two brake modes for on or off-road driving. The Tow-Pro Liberty only utilizes REDARC’s proportional braking mode for everyday towing in highway conditions.
As far as installation, both main control units are approximately the same size and install in the same way. With the right tools, installing the Tow-Pro takes about thirty minutes.
What you’ll need
REDARC has designed a range of vehicle specific wiring harnesses to make installation in some of the most popular overlanding vehicles simple. For an easy to install brake controller in a Toyota 4Runner with a tow unit you’ll need;
- Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controller
- Toyota Suitable Brake Controller Harness
- Tow-Pro Switch Insert to suit Toyota and Mitsubishi
- Tow-Pro mounting kit
Inside the Tow-Pro box is the brake controller unit itself, with the plug for the switch controls on one end and the plug for the truck on the other. The remote head unit and remote head dial are also on tip of the box. Also included are two cables, the universal wiring harness and the wire that connects the Tow-Pro to the dial, the remote head bezel and nut and a square switch insert.
You will need some tools to make installation easier, we recommend having on hand;
- Socket set
- Screwdriver set
- Pliers (or anything capable of cutting zip ties)
How to install the Tow-Pro in your 2019 - 2021 4Runner
- Disconnect the battery: Before you do any electrical work, you’ll need to disconnect the battery.
- Remove the trim: Remove the floor mats and gently pull the side trim piece to remove it. To the left of the brake pedal, you’ll see a nut. Remove this and set aside. Gently pull to remove this trip piece.
- Remove the dash panel: To remove the dash panel, use a 10mm socket to remove two screws, one on either side of the lower part of the lower dash. Gently pull to remove the left centre dash plate. Pop off the panel under the steering wheel. Don’t unplug any wires, it’s okay to let it hang there.
- Mount the main Tow-Pro unit: Using the mounting kit, attach the main unit of the Tow-Pro to the bracket. At the free end of the bracket, bend it into a 90 degree angle away from the unit.
- Fit the harness: Plug the wiring harness into the Tow-Pro main unit and feed the wiring underneath the dash.
- Mount the Tow-Pro: To the left of the lower part of the steering wheel column, there are two holes. Mount the Tow-Pro to the upper screw using the nut and bold included in the mounting kit. Be sure to do a test fit first and adjust the bracket to fit perfectly.
- Assemble the remote head dial: Place the remote head into the Toyota and Mitsubishi suitable switch insert, screw on the clear plastic remote head nut and put the dial on top.
- Install the remote head into the dash: On the left side of the dash that you disconnected earlier, pop out the upper blank switch insert and insert the switch that you just assembled.
- Connect the Tow-Pro to the remote head: Using the wire that connects the Tow-Pro to the remote head dial, the black end goes into the Tow-Pro and the white end goes into the remote head.
- Secure and reassemble: Organise and zip tie all the extra cabling and reattach the lower trim piece underneath the steering column. Screw the two 10mm bolts back into the bottom of the dash and reattach the centre console trim piece.
- Connect the wiring harness: Attach the white wire from the Tow-Pro wiring harness to the ground point on the sidewall. Plug the white plug into the existing tow kit plug in the truck. This is located on the left side of the driver wall and is tucked far back.
- Finishing off: Organize and zip tie off any extra wiring. Put your trim back on next to the door and reconnect your battery.
- Check operation: Once the battery is reconnected, turn on your vehicle and press in the dial to see if you have power. The LED should light up blue to indicate you have power
Calibrating the Tow-Pro
Over the course of regular driving and braking the Tow-Pro will calibrate in the orientation that it has been mounted. The only time you should need to recalibrate is if you move the positioning or the location of the brake controller.
Changing between braking modes in the Tow-Pro Elite
To change between braking modes, you must have a trailer connected and be at a complete stop. Turn the dial all the way down to zero, release and then apply the brakes and double tap the knob. You will see the LED change from blue (proportional mode) to green (user controlled mode) or vice versa.
Find everything you need to install your new brake controller in your Toyota 4Runner and tow safely. More information on installing your new Tow-Pro electric brake controller, check out the video install guide below. Or to find out more about the REDARC Tow-Pro range of brake controllers.
