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OK. I’m ready to sue Toyota for false advertising. Who’s with me??
- Thread starter PerpetualTraveler
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OP….Just wow….
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Hell, Compy and a few others already did.
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You certainly have that right but I don't think it is a sagacious move, or at least a good way to spend time and money.
Why? In my pre-sales tasks it was clear that I needed specific versions of the Tacoma, and also specific packages or individual options for my needs that included trailering. Additionally the dealers are not Toyota, and I'm pretty sure most if not all states have purchase contracts with dealers. Take a look to see if you would be doing something as absurd as a lawsuit over a contract where you agreed with the terms.
I’d consult a lawyer first and see what they say. Post the findings.
This is Toyota, they have a sense of arrogance right down to the dealers. I’ve never had an issue adding a trailer brake controller to a Chev that didn’t have one. Then again Chevs are made more for a different audience I feel. Most people that buy Chevs I’m gonna guess expect a truck to tow, without having to look at “fine print”. Most Toyota buyers are different use, ruggedness, off road, camping etc. etc.
Funny thing is at one time all trailer brake controllers were aftermarket add ons. I think Dodge/Ram started it with the factory built in units and now we are at a point if you don’t buy the factory unit, no wiring in place to add one easily. Problem is, here it was a $4000 option pkg upgrade to get it. So I get why people thought “it’s a truck, I’ll add one afterwards”.
This is Toyota, they have a sense of arrogance right down to the dealers. I’ve never had an issue adding a trailer brake controller to a Chev that didn’t have one. Then again Chevs are made more for a different audience I feel. Most people that buy Chevs I’m gonna guess expect a truck to tow, without having to look at “fine print”. Most Toyota buyers are different use, ruggedness, off road, camping etc. etc.
Funny thing is at one time all trailer brake controllers were aftermarket add ons. I think Dodge/Ram started it with the factory built in units and now we are at a point if you don’t buy the factory unit, no wiring in place to add one easily. Problem is, here it was a $4000 option pkg upgrade to get it. So I get why people thought “it’s a truck, I’ll add one afterwards”.
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Get a clue
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My '07 Tundra, '14 and '19 Tacoma's all had trailering packages with transmission coolers and 7 pin wiring, but I understood I had to add trailer brakes and mirrors as needed. Do your research before you buy.
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“So…without the ability to add a wired controller this truck CANNOT tow a camper that requires brakes even if the camper is 3000lbs…”
The same was true for the 2019 TRD OR I traded for my new 4G. I installed a Redarc controller from eTrailer using a factory dash punch out. it looked like OEM and worked like a champ.
The same was true for the 2019 TRD OR I traded for my new 4G. I installed a Redarc controller from eTrailer using a factory dash punch out. it looked like OEM and worked like a champ.
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The big difference is there is a place to plug-in an aftermarket trailer brake controller underneath the dash on the third gens. The fourth Gen has no such plug. You actually have to do with the old-fashioned way and run all the wires for it.
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I think that I have a better case against Honda than you have against Toyota. The Ridgelines are advertised to tow 5000 lbs, and they will. AT SEA LEVEL!! According to the fine print in the owner's manual I can't tow my 4200 lb trailer above 2500 feet elevation! Hondas don't have brake controllers but they do at least have a socket where one can be plugged in. It's impossible to reach it way up under the dash but they have one!
The Tacoma advertising that I see is pretty clear that your SR will only tow 3500 lbs and that no break controller is available. It doesn't say if there's a way to add one, I understand your disappointment if there isn't a hard wired option. There are a handful of states where brake controllers are not required for 3500 lbs or less.
The good news is that there are wireless options and people seem pleased with them. I think the Echo can be used with an optional dash mounted button to activate the brakes manually and I would definitely want that. Since it is cheaper I put a Curt TriFlex Next on our Ridgeline and it works well. I guess that says that the connector is just slightly shy of being impossible to reach.
But I feel for you and I hope that your outrage turns to joy with further experience with your new Tacoma!
PS: It looks like you might have legal grounds for a complaint after all. On page 204 of the owner's manual Toyota requires brakes on trailers over 1000 lbs. But Toyota gives you no means to add the required equipment to your SR. So the actual tow rating for the SR is only 1000 lbs, not 3500 lbs. It is false advertising but with third party solutions available you are unlikely to win more than the price of an Echo in a lawsuit.
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Well they're not lying. The truck can physically tow 6400lbs, how you stop doesn't factor into that equation lol.
Join TacoNation for a week, you'll see some craaaaazy posts, people towing easily 7000lbs trailers without trailer brakes. (Obviously don't do that).
Sue all you want, but I feel you're only going to waste your money.
Cheaper to find a dealer that will actively work with you to get a brake controller installed, or wait for an aftermarket solution which will more than likely happen.
If towing was a concern of yours while buying the truck why didn't you look at the tow package specs to make sure the brake controller was included. It's definitely not the smartest decision Toyota's made, but vehicle manufacturers ain't know to make smart decision.
Join TacoNation for a week, you'll see some craaaaazy posts, people towing easily 7000lbs trailers without trailer brakes. (Obviously don't do that).
Sue all you want, but I feel you're only going to waste your money.
Cheaper to find a dealer that will actively work with you to get a brake controller installed, or wait for an aftermarket solution which will more than likely happen.
If towing was a concern of yours while buying the truck why didn't you look at the tow package specs to make sure the brake controller was included. It's definitely not the smartest decision Toyota's made, but vehicle manufacturers ain't know to make smart decision.
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