Does the Toyota Tundra come with a trailer brake controller?
The Toyota Tundra can be equipped with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC) when the factory Tow Package is selected; in many trims it’s available as a standard or optional feature, rather than a universal base-pack option.
Trailer brake controllers manage the trailer’s electric braking system, helping to synchronize trailer and vehicle braking. Toyota’s integrated TBC is wired into the truck’s electrical system and is controllable from the instrument cluster. Availability varies by model year and trim, and if your Tundra isn’t equipped with the Tow Package, you may need to add an aftermarket controller. The following sections outline how the system is offered, how to tell if your truck has it, and what to do if you don’t.
Availability by Trim and Tow Package
The Tow Package is the gateway to the integrated trailer brake controller. The following points explain how the TBC typically appears across trims and configurations.
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is included when the vehicle is ordered with the factory Tow Package.
- On mid- to higher trims, the Tow Package is commonly available and often standard or readily added, which brings the TBC with it.
- On base or non‑Tow-Package configurations, the TBC is generally not included, though an aftermarket solution remains an option.
In practice, if you regularly tow with electric brakes, check whether a Tow Package is part of your build or option list to ensure the TBC is built in. If you’re shopping used, verify the presence of the Tow Package or the TBC feature in the vehicle’s window sticker or build sheet.
How to Tell If Your Tundra Has It and How to Use It
Knowing whether your Tundra has an integrated trailer brake controller and how to operate it helps you prepare for towing with confidence. Here are the steps to verify and use the system.
- Check the vehicle’s window sticker or build sheet to see if the Tow Package is included; this is the clearest indicator that the TBC is installed.
- Within the instrument cluster, there is typically a dedicated Trailer Brake Controller screen or menu that lets you enable, test, and adjust the brake gain (the proportion of trailer braking).
- When towing a trailer with electric brakes, the TBC applies the trailer brakes in proportion to your braking input, which helps stabilize the tow vehicle and trailer during stops.
- There may be a manual override or gain adjustment control, allowing you to fine-tune braking force for different trailer setups; refer to the owner’s manual for the exact on-screen steps for your model year.
If you find the Tow Package is not present, you likely don’t have the integrated TBC in your Tundra. In that case, you can explore upgrading with the Tow Package or installing an aftermarket trailer brake controller, depending on your needs and local regulations.
What to Do If It Isn’t Equipped
If your Tundra doesn’t come with the integrated TBC but you tow trailers with electric brakes, you have a few options. Here are practical paths to consider.
- Ask a Toyota dealer about adding the factory Tow Package to your configuration, which can include the integrated TBC where eligible.
- Consider an aftermarket trailer brake controller that’s compatible with your vehicle’s wiring and electrical system; be sure to choose a model that supports proportional braking and is properly wired to your trailer.
- Ensure your trailer’s wiring and brakes are correctly installed and compatible with any controller you use, and check that you meet local towing regulations and vehicle warranty requirements.
For buyers and owners, the key takeaway is to confirm Tow Package eligibility if you want an integrated TBC from the factory, or plan for an aftermarket option if your build lacks the Tow Package.
Summary
The Toyota Tundra can offer an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller as part of the factory Tow Package, with availability varying by trim and model year. If you plan to tow trailers with electric brakes, confirm whether the Tow Package is included in your build or consider an aftermarket controller if it isn’t. This setup can simplify braking for a smoother, safer tow and is a central part of Toyota’s approach to Trailering on the Tundra.
