1st time pop up buyer

[oregoncamper]

We're looking at buying our first pop up.  We can't afford a brand new one but I'm sure we can find a used one in pretty good condition that would fit our butdget.  Question: We have a '99 Totota 4Runner w/ a towing package, what do we need to do to get it ready for a pop up especially for the electric brakes?  Your help would be most appreciated.  Looking forward to our first pop up!!

[brainpause]

For the brake controller, the most common one used is the Tekonsha Prodigy, at least among popup owners. Most of the time, there is a simple wiring harness that plugs in under the dash, and then plugs into the Prodigy.

But don't buy the Prodigy first. You may buy a popup without brakes, though they are nice to have.

If you have an automatic transmission, spend $100 or so (maybe more now, but not much probably), and buy a transmission cooler. Very good to have, especially when towing in hills/mountains. Don't let Mr. Husband say that your 4Runner has plenty of power and all that jazz...power doesn't have a lot to do with it. Transmissions get a lot of work when towing, and not much attention. So treat the transmission to its own cooler. Cheap insurance. Toyota transmissions aren't cheap.

Welcome to PUT!

Larry

[tknick]

For the brake controller, the most common one used is the Tekonsha Prodigy, at least among popup owners. Most of the time, there is a simple wiring harness that plugs in under the dash, and then plugs into the Prodigy.

But don't buy the Prodigy first. You may buy a popup without brakes, though they are nice to have.

If you have an automatic transmission, spend $100 or so (maybe more now, but not much probably), and buy a transmission cooler. Very good to have, especially when towing in hills/mountains. Don't let Mr. Husband say that your 4Runner has plenty of power and all that jazz...power doesn't have a lot to do with it. Transmissions get a lot of work when towing, and not much attention. So treat the transmission to its own cooler. Cheap insurance. Toyota transmissions aren't cheap.

Welcome to PUT!

Larry

Along the same line with what Larry said, I would add an oil cooler as well.  That will help keep the engine a bit cooler and keep the oil from breaking down as fast.  If you have the towing package, you may already have the tranny and oil cooler.  Like waiting on the brake controller till you find a pop up with brakes, different pop ups have different wiring connections.  There is everything from the 4, 5 and 6 way flat, 6 way square and 7 way round.  There are also converters and adapters that can convert your 4 way flat (assuming that came with the towing package) to any of the above listed connections.  Back to the brake controller (if you need it), I second the prodigy or any inertial control.  time-based controllers are safe and legal, but a PITA to tow with....

good luck
travis

[brainpause]

Back to the brake controller (if you need it), I second the prodigy or any inertial control.  time-based controllers are safe and legal, but a PITA to tow with....

good luck
travis

Translation: DON'T buy a time-based controller. Inertia controllers are the way to go, such as the Prodigy. I have seen them as low as $99, but can't remember where. Don't buy it at Camping World; you can find it cheaper than their 129.00 pricetag.

Larry