The heading says it all. I've searched this forum and found some info on installing a brake controller on a newer vehicle but not one as old as mine. So I would greatly appreciate some help.
Thanks.
Thanks.
How to install a Brake Controller on a 86 FJ60
- Thread starter JamesR
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Well, this is not a simple question to answer. It's highly dependent on what kind of brake controller you're installing and what kind of trailer interface you will be wiring up.
- Thread starter
- #3
That's good to know - I'll update this later when I get to the hotel. Thanks
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- #4
The controller is a Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ, Proportional Brake Controller.
It seems pretty straight forward - is there no wiring diagram included with it? You basically just have to tap into the brake light switch, and then run the brake control wire back to the 7-pin trailer connector.
Also not to be that guy - but what exactly are you planning on towing that has trailer brakes? These trucks are not rated to tow very much at all - to the point where anything that has trailer brakes is probably going to be over the tow rating.
Also not to be that guy - but what exactly are you planning on towing that has trailer brakes? These trucks are not rated to tow very much at all - to the point where anything that has trailer brakes is probably going to be over the tow rating.
that’s why trailer brakes are important 
i’m sure i’ve towed well over the rated limit with a 5000lb load. the braking on our trucks barely stops the truck much less the trailer so my tongue and cheek reply does have some truth. i put a brake controller in so that pulling my boat 3000lb is safer and easier too. even towing a light trailer with brakes is way nicer than without!
i just tapped into my rear corner light harness and ran the wires down to the vehicle side plug in my bumper. they typically come with a wiring diagram that makes it easy once you’ve found which wires are which. my new boat trailer has a five wire harness so while i’m refurbishing my bumper i’ve added a new vehicle side plug. i need to add a back up wire now as it overrides the hydraulic tongue brake when reversing
if i recall there is a member here on mud that made a plug in trailer wiring kit that allowed trailer wiring without actually cutting into the harness
this may not answer your question with my rambling as the above also included trailer wiring which you may already have. i did all mine at once. the brake controller just needs to activate one wire in the harness and it just needs a brake signal. i think mine took the signal from the brake light wires itself
i’m sure i’ve towed well over the rated limit with a 5000lb load. the braking on our trucks barely stops the truck much less the trailer so my tongue and cheek reply does have some truth. i put a brake controller in so that pulling my boat 3000lb is safer and easier too. even towing a light trailer with brakes is way nicer than without!
i just tapped into my rear corner light harness and ran the wires down to the vehicle side plug in my bumper. they typically come with a wiring diagram that makes it easy once you’ve found which wires are which. my new boat trailer has a five wire harness so while i’m refurbishing my bumper i’ve added a new vehicle side plug. i need to add a back up wire now as it overrides the hydraulic tongue brake when reversing
if i recall there is a member here on mud that made a plug in trailer wiring kit that allowed trailer wiring without actually cutting into the harness
this may not answer your question with my rambling as the above also included trailer wiring which you may already have. i did all mine at once. the brake controller just needs to activate one wire in the harness and it just needs a brake signal. i think mine took the signal from the brake light wires itself
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- Thread starter
- #7
I am converting a military M101A2 3/4 ton trailer into a box camper. My 60 emergency brakes will barely keep my 60 from rolling. I also wanted the extra security of additional stopping power.
Well, that will be a separate issue you really aught to address if you're going to be towing. Trailer brakes aren't "fail safe" like they are on big trucks, so they will not help you when parking.
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- #9
I understand that.