Does the 2024 Tacoma have a trailer brake controller?
It can be equipped with a factory trailer brake controller, but only if the vehicle is ordered with the Tow Package; it is not standard on every trim.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize pickup that offers a range of towing-focused options. For buyers wondering about a built-in trailer brake controller, the answer depends on how the truck is configured. The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC) is not a universal feature on all Tacomas; it is available when the Tow Package is selected. This means some trims and configurations can have an integrated controller, while others will not. Below is a detailed look at how this works and how to verify it on a specific truck.
Availability and options
Tow Package and Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
To understand whether a 2024 Tacoma has a trailer brake controller, it helps to know where the feature fits in the option hierarchy. The ITBC is available only when the Tow Package is chosen. If your Tacoma is not equipped with the Tow Package, it will not have the factory integrated trailer brake controller. The Tow Package also typically includes a 7‑pin trailer wiring harness, which is used to connect the trailer’s electric brakes to the truck’s system.
- The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is available with the Tow Package on eligible Tacomas.
- Without the Tow Package, the factory ITBC is not included.
- The Tow Package commonly pairs with multiple trims, so availability can vary by configuration and market.
In short, the presence of an ITBC on a 2024 Tacoma comes down to whether the Tow Package was added at purchase or later by a dealer. If you plan to tow with electric brakes on a trailer, this option is worth confirming on the build sheet or window sticker.
Wiring and towing hardware
Beyond the integrated brake controller, the Tow Package generally brings a compatible wiring harness (often 7‑pin) to support electric trailer brakes. This wiring setup is necessary for the ITBC to control the trailer’s braking system and to provide the appropriate brake signals to the trailer’s brakes.
- Tow Package typically includes trailer wiring and ITBC when equipped.
- 7‑pin wiring harness is commonly part of the Tow Package, enabling standard electric brake systems on trailers.
If you’re considering a 2024 Tacoma for towing, confirm both the presence of the ITBC and the correct trailer wiring by checking the vehicle’s window sticker or by asking the dealer for the build sheet. These details ensure you’ll have the right equipment for your trailer.
How to verify on your Tacoma
Use these steps to confirm whether a specific 2024 Tacoma has a factory trailer brake controller equipped with the Tow Package.
- Check the window sticker or OEM build sheet for “Tow Package” and “Trailer Brake Controller” or “Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.”
- Inspect the vehicle’s interior menu: browse the instrument cluster or infotainment/vehicle settings for a “Tow/Haul” section or a dedicated “Trailer Brake Controller” setting.
- Ask the dealership or check the owner’s manual for confirmation of ITBC availability on the exact trim and configuration.
- Inspect the hitch area and connectors: presence of a 7‑pin trailer wiring harness is a good indicator that the vehicle is configured for proper trailer tow functionality.
- If you have access to a trailer with electric brakes, connect it and test the brake controller’s operation to confirm proper function and gain adjustment.
Having these checks done will help you determine whether the 2024 Tacoma in question includes the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller and is properly equipped for towing with electric brakes.
What this means for buyers
For buyers who plan to tow trailers with electric brakes, the best approach is to opt for the Tow Package when configuring a 2024 Tacoma. This choice typically yields the ITBC and the necessary trailer wiring. If towing is occasional or involves non-electric brakes, you may still tow with a basic setup, but you would miss the convenience and braking control provided by the factory ITBC.
Summary
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma can have a factory Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, but only if the Tow Package is selected. It is not a standard feature on every model. To confirm, check the window sticker or build sheet, look for a Tow Package designation in the vehicle’s settings, and verify the presence of the 7‑pin wiring harness. If the Tow Package isn’t chosen, an aftermarket brake controller is a common alternative.
