How to Wire the Trailer Brake in a RAV4
Towing a heavy trailer with your Toyota RAV4 will require your trailer to have an electric braking system. These are powered by a brake controller installed on your vehicle. Trailer brakes mitigate the risk of towing by improving the braking performance of the tow vehicle. Requirements for trailer brakes vary by state, so contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles for specific details for your area. Installing the brake controller can be done with some common tools and knowledge of 12-volt electrical systems.
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Things You'll Need
- Brake controller
- Wiring kit
- Scotch-lock connectors
- Butt connectors
- Pliers
- Wire strippers
- Drill
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Find a suitable location for the brake controller on your RAV4. This will be within reach of the driver and in a convenient location to run the wires to the brake pedal and vehicle battery.
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2
Position the mounting bracket in this location and attach it with the drill and two screws provided.
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3
Hold the brake controller in between the mounting bracket arms and secure it with the two side screws.
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4
Guide the black-and-white wire from the controller to the driver's foot well and through the rubber grommet in the firewall. Run the wire to the vehicle's battery along the RAV4's body. Back the terminal bolts off the battery with a wrench. Slide the black wire under the positive connection and white wire under the negative connection and tighten the terminal bolts down.
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5
Guide the red wire from the controller behind the brake pedal. Secure it to the power wire for the brake pedal switch with a scotch lock connector. These work by placing one wire in each groove and closing the gate.
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6
Guide the blue wire from the brake controller along one side of the vehicle to the cargo area. Secure this wire to the blue wire from the trailer harness with a butt connector. These work by placing a stripped wire in each end and compressing with pliers. Gently tug on the connection to ensure a tight fit.
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7
Hide the blue wire by pushing it into the groove between the interior body panels and the carpet.
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8
Secure any loose wires with cable ties. Double check that the wires do not interfere with the operation of the engine or the driver's controls.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
