Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?

Question

Question:

Can I use a 4 way flat to 7 round adapter and the Curt Bluetooth brake controller

asked by: Ricky F

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may already have a 4 way connector on your vehicle, which is half of the battle. In order to operate the Curt Echo Mobile Wireless Brake Controller # C51180 you will need an almost fully functional 7 way connector; using something like the Hopkins # 37185 adapter from the answer you were looking at would work, but it doesn't come with all of the wiring you'll need so I don't recommend using that and you will need to run a power wire to your battery (not included).

Instead, I recommend using the # ETBC7L, which has all of the wiring you'll need to easily install a 7 way connection on your tow vehicle capable of powering the Curt Echo brake controller. This kit will use your existing 4 way to plug into the light functions and then you'll just need to run a wire to the battery and reverse light functions to have the connections you need.

I've linked one of our helpful videos that runs through how to install an ETBC7L connector and since you've already got a 4 way on your vehicle, the process should be relatively easy.

expert reply by: Erik B

0

Drew

6/19/2024

Why couldn't you use the one he has and just run your black 12 gauge wiring that I already have to battery, and save $60,,,,,it's just $60 for the extra 12gauge black wiring to run to battery???or am I missing something

Reply

Jameson C.

6/19/2024

@Drew Yes that would work. Or we have the version of this adapter specifically for the Echo with the part # ETBC7L.

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Jessica

7/4/2024

So I'm looking at wiring the 12v power from my batter back to my hitch and using the 4:7 converter as mentioned in this answer.. will there constantly be 12v power being drawn from my battery even when not in use? Do I need to install a switch or something similar??

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Robin H.

7/5/2024

@Jessica you won't need a switch with the # ETBC7L. There won't be any power draw when the connector is not in use.

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Gregg

5/5/2025

@RobinH So my 2020 Ram already has both factory 4 pin flat and 7 way round connections, but no integrated brake controller. Trailer is going to have flat pin but not sure if 4 or 5 yet because i am installing electric brakes. Isn't there an 7 way round to flat 4 or 5 pin adapter that can be plugged into the Echo wireless controller?

Reply

Robin H.

5/6/2025

@Gregg you could do that with an adapter like # C35FR but I don't see a reason to unless you have a reverse lockout. If you have electric brakes you're going to need a 7-way so the Echo works as is. If you have a 4-way on the trailer and it has brakes they must be surge brakes. No brake controller is needed for these brakes so you can remove the Echo.

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Answer 1

If your plan was to install a brake controller you'd have to also run the black wire of the 7-Way Adapter part #30717 to the to the positive post of your vehicle battery as well as the ground you mentioned. The Curt Echo part #C51180 that you…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

Hey Paul, thanks for reaching out. You are on the right track here, because the #37185 adapter can be used for this application, but you will need to run 12 gauge wire from the black wire on the adapter to the battery on your Escape with a 40 amp…

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Answer 4

With your 2018 Honda Odyssey already having a 4-pin flat connector you will need the 7-Way Kit #ETBC7. This will allow you to connect to your 4-way flat and provides the additional wiring for a charge line and brake controller. For a brake controller…

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

I do have ways to help with trailer sway and vehicle sag on your 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan but none of the trailer hitch receivers they have for your vehicle are compatible with a weight distribution system. Load leveling is what Volkswagen calls what…

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Answer 8

To install a brake controller in your 1998 GMC C/K series 1500, there are a couple of items you will need in addition to the brake controller. If the truck does not have a 4-Way trailer connector, you will need to add one like part #118315. The…

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Answer 9

The easiest way to add a 7-way trailer connector to your 2013 BMW X5 is to start with a 4-way and then convert it to a 7-way. For wiring, use the ZCI kit, part #119250KIT, instead. The ZCI sensors that clamp to your X5's wiring to detect the…

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Answer 10

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Answer 11

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Answer 12

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Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?

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