Effortless Towing for 5th Gen 4Runners
If you're a 5th Gen 4Runner owner towing a load you know how crucial it is to have a reliable brake controller. Whether it's pulling a camper trailer (like our trusty ‘Gravity’), a boat, or hauling a load of construction supplies, having control over your trailer brakes can make towing safer and smoother. Enter the REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty brake controller—a total game changer for our 2015 5th Gen 4Runner setup. Mine came as part of a kit from their website for the Toyota 4runner part # CIKTP-NA-004
 |
| Factory looking install in our 2015 5th Gen 4runner |
Why We Chose the Tow-Pro Liberty
We wanted a brake controller that was simple yet effective, and the Tow-Pro Liberty delivered on both fronts. It’s compact, easy to use, and provides smooth brake control for trailers up to 2 axles. What really sold us is that it offers proportional and user-controlled braking modes, along with other handy features that make towing stress-free.
Plus, nobody wants a bulky brake controller hanging from the dash cluttering up the cabin. The Tow-Pro Liberty’s dash-mounted control knob is sleek and unobtrusive, giving us full control without cramping our 4Runner’s style.
Prewired for Simplicity
One thing that made this install an absolute breeze was that our 4Runner came prewired for a brake controller. That’s right. No tricky wiring or splicing! It was literally plug and play, which saved me a ton of time and hassle. If your 4Runner has factory wiring for a brake controller, you’re in for a super quick installation.
Key Features That Make the Tow-Pro Liberty Stand Out
Beyond ease of installation, the Tow-Pro Liberty is packed with smart features that make it a standout:
- Everyday Mode: This is the proportional mode, which we use the most. It ensures smooth braking by applying just the right amount of brake force based on how hard we press on the 4Runner’s brakes. It feels natural and seamless, as if the trailer is part of the vehicle.
- SwayStop Control: This feature is a lifesaver when towing heavier loads. With just one touch, SwayStop helps reduce trailer sway by applying brakes to straighten out the trailer, making it safer and more stable on the road.
- Factory Look: The dash-mounted remote head blends right in with the rest of the 4Runner’s controls. It gives me full braking control at my fingertips without compromising the clean look of the interior.
- Out-of-Sight Main Unit: The main unit is mounted behind the dash, keeping the driver’s leg space clear and ensuring no interference with airbags. This low-profile design is a big win for both comfort and safety.
- Active Calibration: No need to mess around with complicated settings. The Tow-Pro Liberty features "active calibration", meaning it adjusts and calibrates automatically during your first few stops (with or without a trailer connected), making setup incredibly simple.
- Electric and Electric/Hydraulic Compatibility: Whether you're towing a trailer with electric or electric/hydraulic brakes, the Tow-Pro Liberty has you covered. It works flawlessly with both systems giving you versatility depending on what you’re towing.
Installation: Plug and Play
Thanks to our 4Runner being prewired for a brake controller, installing the Tow-Pro Liberty was incredibly easy. Here’s how it went down:
1. Mount the Control Knob: I picked a spot on our lower dash where we could easily reach it and where one of the included snap in inserts would fit. It’s small and unobtrusive, so it doesn’t get in the way.
2. Install the Main Unit: The brain of the system, this part gets tucked away. I mounted it under the dash, completely out of sight, ensuring it didn’t interfere with our legroom or safety features.
3. Connect the Wires: Because our 4Runner came prewired, all I had to do was plug the wiring harness into the factory connector. Everything I needed came in the kit. No fuss, no mess—just plug it in, and you’re good to go!
After connecting everything, I fired up the 4Runner and tested the brakes. The control knob’s single LED indicator shows the braking intensity by changing color making it easy to dial in the perfect setting without a lot of clutter in a very small space.
How It’s Been Working So Far
Since installing the Tow-Pro Liberty last year, towing has been smoother and more controlled. Whether we're cruising on interstates, state highways or tackling bumpy backroads, the trailer brakes respond perfectly. We’ve had no jerky stops, and the proportional mode feels like the trailer is an extension of the 4Runner, stopping as smoothly as the vehicle itself.
The SwayStop Control has already proven useful on a few trips, giving us peace of mind when we feel any trailer sway on windy roads or when passing larger vehicles (mostly 18 wheelers). And the fact that the main unit is out of sight means our driving experience is comfortable, and there’s no risk of interference with our 4Runner’s day to day operations.
Final Thoughts
If you tow with your 5th Gen 4Runner, the REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty is a must-have upgrade. It’s compact, easy to install (especially if your vehicle is prewired like ours), and offers superior braking control with advanced features like SwayStop and proportional braking. Whether you're towing on highways or navigating trickier terrain, this brake controller gives you confidence and smooth braking performance. Plus, the plug-and-play installation made it a no-brainer for us.