Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

Select your vehicle to confirm the Trailer Brake Controller fit

The Brake Controller Installation Kit, or ETBC7, includes everything necessary for converting your 4-way connector to a 7-way connector in order to use a brake controller to activate the electric brakes on your trailer.

If you do not have a 4-way connector on your vehicle, you will need to install one first
If you have a 7-way connector on your trailer, you will need the Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
If you have a 6-way connector on your trailer, you will need the Brake Controller 6 & 4 Way Installation Kit (ETBC6)

Why do I need an ETBC7?

If you do not have a 7-way plug on your vehicle, but want to use your electric trailer brakes, you will need to upgrade your wiring to support the brake controller. The ETBC7 includes everything you need to make this upgrade (once a working 4-way connection is installed).

Parts Included:

7-way trailer connector, which includes a 4-pole adapter plus 4 additional wires that connect to your vehicle to complete the installation

Mounting bracket and mounting hardware that secure the 7-way connector to the vehicle bumper or hitch; self-tapping screws mount the bracket to the vehicle and the trailer connector to the bracket

Black loom, which is a hard plastic tube that covers the 12-volt hot lead and brake wire connections, giving your installation a professional appearance and extra protection

Gray duplex cable that houses 2 wires that will become the 12-volt hot lead and electric brake wire, which run from the trailer connector to the front of the vehicle

Circuit breakers, which are used to protect electrical components against overload (3 are provided, 2 are used)

Butt connectors for securing connections between wires

Ring terminals, which attach to the ends of wires and hook around battery posts and circuit breakers

Quick splice wire connectors, which are used to quickly connect wires together

Zip-ties, which bind loose wires together and keep them in place, away from moving parts and exhaust system components

Circuit tester

Tools needed:

Drill
Ratchet socket set
Wire crimpers/strippers
Small utility knife
Phillips or flathead screwdriver

Brake Controller 7- & 4-Way Installation Steps

The ETBC7 installation kit works with your existing 4-way connector and brake controller. If you do not currently have a 4-way connector on your vehicle, you can use the Vehicle Wiring Fitguide to locate the custom-fit wiring harness, and the Brake Controller Fitguide to find the brake controller for your application. Since this kit supplements your brake controller, please review the instructions included with your brake controller before beginning the installation.

1. Find a suitable location to mount the 7-way connector plug.

A typical location is on the bottom of the bumper or on a bracket extending off your hitch
- To mount on a hitch, use the included bracket plus a short or long no-drill mount bracket to achieve your desired bumper clearance.
- Using the bolts, nuts and self-tapping screws, secure the mounting bracket into the bumper and the trailer connector into the bracket

4-pole adapter plugged in to 4-pole trailer connector

2. Plug the 4-pole adapter coming out of the 7-way connector into the vehicle's 4-pole trailer connector. Secure this connection with a zip-tie.

3. Ground the 7-way connector by screwing the white wire with a ring terminal on it into the frame of the vehicle. If you will be using your reverse trailer lights, attach the yellow wire coming out of the 7-way connector to your reverse light wire, using one of the quick splice wire connectors included with the kit.

separating the two wires inside the duplex cable

4. Make a small cut in the rubber sheath of the duplex cable and slightly separate the two wires inside, being careful not to nick these wires.

5. Use a butt connector to connect the black wire in the duplex cable to the 12-volt hot lead (black wire) on the 7-way connector. Then do the same for the white wire in the duplex cable and the brake wire (blue wire) on the 7-way connector. Use electrical tape to keep the wires together and then install the black loom over the wires.

routing duplex cable to engine department

6. Route the duplex cable under the vehicle all the way up to the engine compartment under the hood, being careful to avoid hot areas or moving parts that might pinch the cable.

7. Once the duplex cable is under the hood, you will need to separate the white brake wire from the black 12-volt hot lead. Cut away the gray sheathing as before, being careful not to nick the wires.

8. The black 12-volt hot lead will stay under the hood, where it will be connected to the positive post of the battery by using a 40-amp circuit breaker. You will then route the white brake wire through the firewall (on the driver's side under the dash) into the vehicle, where you will connect it to the blue wire on the brake controller.

9. Look for a grommet or knockout in the firewall to route the white brake wire into the cab. If none is available, you can drill a hole on a section of the firewall where there is no obstruction on either side. You will need to drill a hole to install a grommet large enough for the 3 wires that will pass through:

White brake wire from duplex
Power wire for brake controller
Ground wire from brake controller

10. Using a butt connector, connect the blue wire coming out of the brake controller to the white brake wire from the duplex cable that was routed through the firewall.

11. Mount the 20-amp (or 30-amp; see brake controller instructions) and the 40-amp circuit breakers in a safe location under the hood. In this photo, you will see it was mounted to the right of an existing ground wire on the firewall.

12-volt hot lead connected to 40-amp breaker

12. The 12-volt hot lead from the trailer connector in the duplex wire (black) gets routed to the 40-amp breaker. Cut the extra wire and add a ring terminal. Attach to the AUX/silver post of the circuit breaker and route a wire from the copper post of the circuit breaker to the positive post on the battery.

13. The black wire coming out of the brake controller is the brake controller power supply. It will be too short to reach the battery, so you will have to use excess wire from the duplex cable to complete this connection. Route this wire to the AUX/silver post on the 20-amp (or 30-amp) circuit breaker under the hood. Then route a wire from the AUX/copper post of the circuit breaker to the positive post on the battery.

2 wires connected to positive battery post: 12-volt hot lead and brake controller power supply

14. There are now two wires connected to the positive post: the 12-volt hot lead and the brake controller power supply.

15. The white wire coming out of the brake controller is the ground wire. Route this wire to the negative post on the battery. It will be too short to reach the battery, so you will have to use excess wire from the duplex cable to complete this connection.

brake stop light switch wire connected to red brake controller wire

16. Inside the cab, only one connection remains. Find the wires connected to the brake stop light switch at the top of the brake pedal. Using a circuit tester, test the wires to locate the wire that carries a signal only when the brake pedal is engaged. Using a quick splice wire connector, connect that wire to the brake controller red wire.

17. With the brake controller mounted and connected, zip-tie any loose, excess wires underneath the dash and under the vehicle. Clip any excess material from the zip-ties. Do not allow the wires to interfere with the brake and gas pedals and keep them away from areas that get very hot. Using a circuit tester, test all wires to ensure that they are getting power before you hitch up your trailer.

# ETBC7 Installation Diagram

Connector Diagram for # C57672 (included with # ETBC7)

For more information on brake controllers and wiring, see the following:

Updated by: Amber S.

Last updated: 6/5/19

Kurt

8/13/2022

2012 Acura Mdx. Need to know the wire colors for the battery, brake and reverse wires in the trunk. To wire this 7-way socket.

David B.

8/15/2022

Here are some help articles to guide you along. They list the "common" color guides for wires but this is not always the case and sometimes they are different. If so you will need to get a circuit tester and test the function of each wire.

Helpful Links

faq-brake-control-troubleshooting.aspx

faq-wiring-7-way.aspx

Tom E.

3/27/2022

I have a 2006 GMC 5500 (former UHaul truck). It has a dedicated cable with 7 pin RV receptacle but no brake controller. All other functions (lights etc are functional). There is an unused 4 wire connector under the dash on the driver's side, but the wires are small, perhaps 22 ga. I can't convince myself this is correct, unless relays are in the circuit. The stoplight switch wires go into a harness immediately at the switch and very difficult to access. I plan on using a Redarc liberty as I have used previously. Any advice for me?

Les D.

3/28/2022

Typically the four wire connector has: White to chassis ground Black 12 volt from battery with inline fuse Red from brake pedal switch Blue output to trailer brakes. Use your volt tester to see if these operate as expected. The voltage on blue wire will go up as brake pedal is depressed further.

Tom E.

3/28/2022

@LesD I have previously done the above. I have brown, yellow, dark blue and light blue. With the ignition key on the brown and yellow float at around 6V. ??? With the brake pedal depressed there is no change to any wire. I have installed a number of controllers and never encountered a problem like this. I have a good amount of automotive experience in y 81 years. Maybe someone can shed some light on this.

Les D.

3/29/2022

After further research I find people saying to not use a standard 4 wire pigtail with this vehicle. I am going to suggest you wire this manually following the recommendation of the GM bulletin I have posted below.

Helpful Links

https://www.gmupfitter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ui-bulletin_158-am-brake-controller-md-trucks.pdf

See All (6) Replies to Tom E. ∨

Samanth

3/23/2022

I own a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. It doesn't have the plug for the brake control so I had to install it myself. Locally, they wanted to charge me $250 to $400 to install it but I knew I could do it. I purchased the wiring from U-Haul, very reasonably priced. I followed the diagram above and now I can pull my 2018 Dutchmen travel trailer. It took me three hours to run the additional wiring, mount the breakers, attach to the battery posts and drill a hole for the brake control wires. Thanks

Les D.

3/24/2022

@Samanth I see that (for your 2008 RAM truck) we provided the expert research on how to add a round 7-way trailer lighting harness, a kit to make getting everything neccessary the first time, detailed installation instructions with pictures, and a large wiring diagram. What more could we have done to earn your purchase?

Andy

3/1/2022

I have a 2010 Ford expedition XLT and I don’t understand where I hook up the brake assist wire coming from the plug to the brake controller because my brake controller is plugged in it’s just a plug and play

Les D.

3/2/2022

Which brand and model of brake controller are you using? I suspect you are talking about the blue brake controller output wire. Did your truck already have a 4-way or a 7-way connector?

Andy

3/2/2022

@LesD yes I am talking about the blue brake controller wire,it has the 4-way

Les D.

3/2/2022

@Andy When you say that your brake controller is plug and play, I imagine you mean that your brake controller came with a special cable where one end plugs into the brake controller and the other end plugs into the vehicle's brake controller port. Those four wires connecting to the brake controller port are black for 12 volts from battery, red from the brake pedal switch, white which will go to a chassis ground, and blue that will go to the 7-way connector installed by the factory for braking voltage/signal. HOWEVER, since your truck did not come with a 7-way connector that connection goes no where. Snip the blue wire out of the adapter cable, and run it all the way back to the 7-way you installed aftermarket and connect it to the blue wire there so that trailers plugging into your 7-way will have their brakes energized.

See All (4) Replies to Andy ∨

Matthew M.

3/1/2022

I have a 2000 Coachmen sportscoach on a Freightliner frame I am having trouble finding what I need for this electronic brake control. I already have a four prong installed any help would be greatly appreciated

Les D.

3/2/2022

@MatthewM I would like to help with this question. First a few questions. Which model Sportscoach do you have - 380MBS? When you say, "electronic brake control" I assume you mean a supplemental brake that installs in the vehicle being towed. Like the Roadmaster # RM-9400 linked below? You say that you have a flat 4-way connector. It's hard to conceive that a coach this size does not have a round 7-way connector. I assume you have a 2 inch square hitch receiver? Double check this for us please.

Matthew M.

3/2/2022

@LesD u have a 2000 380mbs it only has 4 flat pug with 2" hitch. I am looking for plug and play electric break assist box. My trailer has electric brakes and I guess I need one of these to apply those trailer breaks

Kent C.

1/4/2022

Does the Brake Control ground (white) need to go to the negative terminal or can it just ground on the frame?

Les D.

1/5/2022

@KentC To a bare metal spot on the frame works fine.

Ronald G.

11/23/2021

Both sides of the 7 pin harness have a 12v hot wire. Are we supposed to connect a battery on both sides? That goes against my common sense. So I have the trailer side already connected to the 12v rv battery, what do I do on the vehicle side?

Les D.

11/26/2021

I have attached a document with a detailed explanation of all the trailer electrical connectors. You will see that a standard RV plug has 12-volt power on the 1 o'clock pin. This provides for battery charging and 12-volt accessories like indoor lights, water pump, etc. The 7 o'clock position is the 12-volt trailer brakes. This can read from 0-12 depending on how far down the brake pedal is pressed.

Helpful Links

faq-wiring.aspx

Paul T.

11/9/2021

Have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 with factory plug under dash. Bought a Hopkins #47205 7 blade wiring kit, but think it's wrong type, as it only has yellow, green and brown wire posts with 4th post a blank, and then it has separate white, blue, purple and black wires. Also bought a Reese 8508211 controller and extension so can plug into factory installed plug under dash. The factory 4 way from vehicle has green, yellow, brown and blue wires from front of vehicle. I want to install a 7 way from 4 way, but do I need a 4 post flat plug on the 7 way that matches the 4 way wires on the vehicle 4 way? The blue and green vehicle 4 way wires go over to the side of vehicle for lights. I want to add trailer brake capability and need to add the necessary wiring, probably as you have outlined it in the first instructions on this page. please advise.

Les D.

11/11/2021

@PaulT The Hopkins # 47205 is a bumper mounted 7-way connector for standard connection to RV trailers. It assumes that your vehicle already has a flat 4-way connector. If you don't have the 4-way connector you will need to install the Tekonsha # 118329 kit to create it. The Reese 8508211 brake controller you mentioned is not a product we carry, so I don't have information about their wiring. It probably comes with 4 wires that would connect to your truck under the dash if Reese has an adapter for you. Otherwise you will need to hard wire it per their instructions. This will include the blue wire being ran to the bumper connection. I also noticed you purchased e 3020-P wiring adapter that goes between a Tekonsha brake controller and your Ram's under dash plug. Since you don't have a Tekonsha brake controller this will not help you. If this seems overwhelming, I have put a link below so you can find installers in your area.

Helpful Links

https:/47205/www.etrailer.com/installer/near-me/wentzville-mo/wiring

Kat

7/30/2021

I have a 1992 Olds Bravada. It has trailer light wiring harness already, but no Brake Controller unit. I want to add the controller, but am not sure which one to purchase, or what additional items are necessary. Towing capacity for my SUV is 5500 lbs, but I only tow small, lighter weight single-axle trailers (little flatbed for hauling riding mower, the popup tent trailer, etc.) Nothing over about 2000 lbs loaded weight. Please advise - and NO, I do not want a wireless "Smart Phone" item. Thank you for your assistance!

Victoria B.

8/3/2021

I have included a link to all of the brake controllers we have for your 1992 Bravada. If your vehicle only has a 4-Way Flat trailer connector, you will also need our # ETBC7 kit to upgrade the wiring so that you can have all of the necessary signals going from your Bravada to your trailer with electric brakes. If you want a suggestion on where to start looking at brake controllers, I would check out the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160 . It is a proportional controller that will give you some nice features without breaking the bank.

Helpful Links

bc-1992_oldsmobile_bravada.htm

faq-brakecontroller.aspx

Donald W.

7/7/2021

Own a 2021 Subaru Outback XT. GOING TO PULL A SMALL TRAILER UNDER 3000 lbs. please advise on what I need to buy. Definitely want hitch to carry the weight. Think I know which tow hitch to buy, But have. No idea on the Brake control unit. What ever is the easiest to install I want. Thank you

Jon G.

7/8/2021

I recommend going with the Draw-Tite Hitch # DT94MR with the Tekonsha T-One Wiring # 118467 , the 7-Way Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L , and the Curt Echo Controller # C51180 . The only other thing you're going to need is a ball mount/hitch ball setup. I've attached a link to a helpful article on this for you to check out.

Helpful Links

article-categories.aspx?productgroup=trailer-hitch-ball-mount

Tim H.

6/19/2021

I have a 2004 Doge Ram 1500. I already have the ETBC7 but I want to add Draw Tite Brake controller #5535 and connect it to the internal connector in the truck via wiring adapter 3020-P. Where do I get the signal for the Blue wire on the 7 way connector since there doesn't seem to be a wire that comes out of the brake controller that I can attached to the 7 way connector?

Jon G.

6/22/2021

I'm not sure what your truck came with but attached is a helpful article that goes over everything you need to know about installing a brake controller on your truck no matter what wiring it came with!

Helpful Links

faq-dbc.aspx

Tim H.

6/23/2021

@JonG Thanks. That had the answer I was looking for. You do need to run a separate wire for the brake control line to the 7 way connector.

Jon G.

6/24/2021

@TimH Happy to help!

Joe

6/17/2021

I have a 2013 F-150 with a 4 blade connector and no 7 pin. The wiring under the spare tire does not exist to connect the ETBC7 blue or red wires. I installed a Ford OEM brake controller into the factory harness and it is enabled. 1. Where do I connect the blue wire from the wiring harness? 2. Do I really need to install the circuit breakers?

Jon G.

6/22/2021

If you only have a 4-Way and none of the extra wires near the end of your F-150 then you'll definitely need the Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This will connect to your current 4-Way and then provide you with everything you need for a fully functioning 7-Way. You'll want to route 10 gauge wire from the 7-Way all the way up to the blue output wire on your brake controller. You do need to install the circuit breakers. If you don't you could possibly damage your wiring and end up causing a fire (worst case scenario).

Debbie D.

6/13/2021

I have a 90195 p3 controller, is there an adapter to plug in the brake wiring harness for a 2004 Silverado truck? I think it is a 1500 LS V-8,

Jon G.

6/13/2021

There is an adapter! It is part # 3015-P . If your truck came with a factory 7-Way then you shouldn't need anything else. If you don't have the factory trailer connector then you'll need part # PK11898 if you have the bundle wires at the rear of the truck or part # 30955 if you have the round plug with the cap instead of the bundle of wires at the rear of your truck.

Robert R.

6/12/2021

I just have a small trailer 3x5 but I need a wire harness to connect the trailer to a Chevy Bolt 2021 year, I purchased a Draw-tite Hitch with 1 1/4 inch receiver. Just need brake lights and turn signals nothing else. What harness do I need??? Please send me the part number to order and the supplier I can purchase from. Thanks

Jon G.

6/13/2021

I'm not seeing that there are any wiring kits that are confirmed to fit your 2021 Bolt. Since that's the case I recommend checking out the Tekonsha ZCI Wiring Kit # 119250KIT since it pulls power from your vehicle battery and it avoids splicing into your factory wiring.

Ron

5/31/2021

The way the 4 way plug installs on the bracket is piss poor engineering. Nothing to keep it in the slot as it is only 3 sides keeper. Not enough room to add cable ties either. The least you could have done was make the 4 way plug large enough to fit the OEM keeper on the 2015 Jeep Wrangler. Did I mention I am very disappointed?

Jon G.

6/1/2021

Have you had a issue with the 4-Way falling off of the bracket? Also this is a universal connector and different vehicles will use different sizes for a 4-Way keeper so making it vehicle-specific would defeat the purpose of it being a universal application.

Steve

5/22/2021

I am just now figuring out that the brake control is an not included item. Would any 4 wire brake control work or is that vehicle specific. I have a 2008 Jeep commander sport 3.7 v6 no tow package

Jon G.

5/24/2021

Pretty much every brake controller uses the standard 4-wire system that is compatible with our Wiring Kit # ETBC7 . Attached is a link to the fitguide for your 2008 Commander where you can choose your 4-Way wiring as well as a brake controller.

Helpful Links

vehicle/2008/jeep/commander

Tony S.

5/10/2021

I want to order this wiring harness, if it has all the wiring that I will need to connect to my 2010 Chrysler Town and Country. With out cutting any of my wires. ETBC7 let me know.

Jon G.

5/10/2021

If you have a 4-Way connector installed on your Town and Country then the only splicing you'll have to deal with is when you run the power wire up to your battery and if you need to connect a brake controller. If you don't have a 4-Way then I'm attaching a link to our selection of 4-Way connectors that will fit.

Helpful Links

t1-2010_chrysler_town+and+country.htm

Tony S.

5/10/2021

set me an order to complete the hook up, to have a 4 and 7 hookup. I don't have trailer brakes now, but might later. just want complete hook for trailer light, but can have brake hook up later

Jon G.

5/11/2021

@TonyS I'd go with the Tekonsha # 118552 and # ETBC7 wiring kits. This gives you the 4-Way needed for basic light functions as well as the ability to add brake functions in the future. The No-Drill Mount Bracket # 18136 will give you a way to mount the wiring next to your hitch.

Jean

5/4/2021

I don’t mean to be a simpleton, but could you please like all the parts I need to install on a 17 JKU Rubicon with no OEM 7 pin

Jon G.

5/5/2021

Do you have the factory tow package and are you just needing the parts to install a brake controller on your Jeep? If you don't know about the tow package you should be able to either look up your VIN online or call your local dealer and they should be able to help you out with that.

Ty S.

4/26/2021

On my 1969 Cadillac CDV I am wiring in a electric trailer brake controller to pull a motorcycle trailer with electric brakes. The directions say find the wire on the brake pedal switch that has power when "brake pedal is pressed". I have a Dark Green and White wires on my brake switch. Dark green has constant power...whether pedal is pushed in or not. The manual shows the Dark Green wire going to the fuse box, White goes off to a plug with multiple wires in it, but has no power to it, pedal depressed or not. My question is, if I tap into the Dark Green wire and have continuous power will that mean my trailer brakes will always be on? I have never used one of these controllers before. Am I able to "dial down" the controller where the brakes are not engaged, until I slide the brake engage slide lever? Any advice or tips would be great, Thanks.

Jon G.

4/28/2021

Yes, that would mean that your brake controller would be sending constant power back to your trailer brakes. While you could dial it down to a 1, it would still keep your brakes active. If you're unable to find a stop light switch that is only hot when the brake pedal is pressed then I recommend installing the Universal Stop Light Switch # RM-751000 which will get you the signal that you're needing.

Ty S.

4/29/2021

Thank you Jon G. That's what I needed to know. Much appreciated.

Jon G.

4/29/2021

@TyS You're welcome!

Evan

4/15/2021

If I’m tracking your options correctly I need your ETBT7 kit for my 99 4wd V6 Tacoma to get from the existing 4 flat connection to a functioning 7 pin that provides control of electric brakes on a travel trailer. Is that correct? Do you recommend anything else for this installation? Thanks!

Jon G.

4/15/2021

You are correct! The only other thing you need is a controller. I really like the Redarc # RED44FR just because of it's versatility but I've also attached a link to our selection of brake controllers for your vehicle that you can check out.

Helpful Links

bc-1999_toyota_tacoma.htm

Evan

4/15/2021

@JonG Thanks!

Phrench

4/14/2021

Will this work on a 2012 BMW X1? I already have a Tekonsha P2 and Curt 4 pin connector from etrailer. Thanks

Jon G.

4/15/2021

Technically you can use the # ETBC7 wiring kit but the problem that we've found on some vehicles is that the wire for the stop light switch is virtually impossible to find, which I believe is the case with your vehicle. If you have trouble locating the stop light switch then I recommend using the Roadmaster Universal Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751000 so that you have that function for the P2 controller.

John S.

3/31/2021

I ordered your wiring kit to convert existing vehicle 4 - way trailer plug to a 7 - way trailer plug. It has 2 circuit breakers included. Both appear to be 30 amp; 04561 metal case and 7012A plastic case, is that correct? Also which terminal (copper color or silver color) connects to the battery + and which to Aux, wire from Brake controller. Thanks

Kef G.

4/1/2021

There are actually 3 circuit breakers: 1 40-amp, 1 30-amp, and 1 20-amp. The 40-amp is for your 12V wire to the battery. The 30-amp and the 20-amp are for the brake controller (which one you use will depend on which brake controller you are installing).

Jim K.

3/28/2021

I have a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. I have the 4 pole wire harness. The pop up camper we are buying has a 7 pole plug. It has electric brakes. What do I need to get to make this work properly?

Kef G.

3/30/2021

You'll need to upgrade your 4-way to a 7-way with the # ETBC7 . Along with that, you'll need an electric brake controller. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885 .

Steve R.

3/6/2021

I have a 4 pole connected to a 7 way on my Toyota Venza, I want to add a brake controller to tow my pop up camper is the ETBC7 the only think I need to get that accomplished; and the brake controller of course. Thank you for your time

Jon G.

3/8/2021

If you already have a 7-Way on your Venza then you should just need the Wiring Kit # 5506 . If you're wanting the 4-Way/7-Way connector that comes with the Kit # ETBC7 instead then that should be all that you need.

Allen S.

12/2/2020

I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that I need to convert from a 4-way to a 7-way connector to use with a Curt Echo wireless trailer brake controller. The auxiliary 12-volt battery is located in the rear of the vehicle on the driver’s side. Id appreciate any instructions or videos you could provide for this installation.

Jon G.

12/3/2020

For the Curt Echo # C51180 you'll need the Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L . This plugs into the 4-Way you currently have on your Highlander and then you'll route the power wire to the positive terminal on your battery, making sure to install the circuit breaker in-line to protect the circuit. If you don't have a mounting bracket for the 7-Way then you can use the part # C57202 to accomplish this.

Allen S.

12/4/2020

@JonG Hi Jon. Thanks for your response. I had one additional question. My Toyota Highlander Hybrid has separate brake lights and turn signals. Do I need a wire harness with a Modulite incorporated to be compatible with the Airstream travel trailer lights, or are the parts you recommended sufficient to operate the lights properly?

Jon G.

12/7/2020

@AllenS If your Highlander already has a 4-Way then the parts I mentioned will be enough. If your Highlander doesn't currently have a 4-Way then you'll need to determine if you have the tow package or not by checking for a converter and then choosing a 4-Way wiring harness based off of that. Here is a link to one of our answer pages about this that you can check out.

Helpful Links

question-133361.html

Tedd

11/23/2020

I just bought a 2016 Chevy 2500 Express van. It has a tow package but I am unable to locate a 4 pole connector near the rear of the van. I was able to locate wires for the factory brake controller under the dash. The wires are Red/wht, dark blue, light blue/wht and blk wires. Can I connect these directly to the brake controller I purchase?

Jon G.

11/24/2020

To answer your direct question, yes, you can connect your brake controller to those wires you found. In regards to the wiring at the back of your Chevy Express, you should either have a round plug cap inside the driver's side frame rail that will connect to the back of the part # HM40975 , otherwise if you have the bundle of wires inside the jack storage compartment you'll want a connector like part # 337TC1474P instead.

Tedd

11/27/2020

@JonG Thank you Jon. I have not been able to locate a 7 way nor a 4 way on my van but it does have the button in the dash for towing. With that said, if I am able to use the 4 wires under the dash how do they get wired to the brake controller? Do I still need to run the heavy gauge wht and blk wires from the trailer plug (that comes in kit #ETBC7) up to the brake controller? Additionally, I followed the heavy gauge dk blue wire under the dash for the brake controller and it just goes through the fire wall but have not idea where it goes from there. My assumption is that it should go to the rear of the van but again I am unable to find a 7 way harness. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

Jon G.

11/27/2020

@Tedd If you aren't able to find any kind of OEM wiring on your van then I'd treat this like your vehicle doesn't have the tow package. Go ahead and install a 4-Way harness like the T-One # 118392 and then completely install the # ETBC7 wiring kit that you have - heavy gauge wires and all. When it comes to wiring the brake controller you'll need to test your current wiring and you might only be able to use 1 from the bundle - the one that gets hot only when your brake pedal is pressed. Sometimes manufacturers will still install some wiring like for the brake controller even if the vehicle doesn't have the tow package. Reason being that it's cheaper to toss some of the wiring in than to make a different manufacturing process for vehicles without the tow package. It can be a bit confusing, not gonna lie.

Paul G.

11/18/2020

I want to be able to charge my trailer battery from the tow vehicle (1994 GMC K1500). It seems if I run the auxiliary 12v wire straight to the battery that I run the risk of drawing down the tow vehicle battery. Is there a place to connect the auxiliary 12v wire to e.g. the alternator instead of straight to the battery? Thanks!

Jon G.

11/18/2020

What you can do is install a battery isolation solenoid like part # TR118665 to keep your battery from draining when your ignition is off. The alternator will naturally charge the battery in your pickup while it's running so you just need to make sure that the power stops flowing when you have your pickup turned off. Please note that any kind of 12V power you get from the tow vehicle 7-Way will be more like a trickle charge and typically won't actually increase the charge of the trailer battery. You'll need to install a battery charger to accomplish this (see linked selection).

Helpful Links

dept-pg-battery_charger.aspx

Robert G.

10/26/2020

Hello I have a 2019 Ram Promaster 2500. I have installed the CURT 56209 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, ....BUT now I also need a 7 way connection for a trailer I just bought. what wiring kit and what brake controller do you recommend. (i want to be able to use a 4 way OR a 7 way adapter because I have a trailer that needs a 7 way and anther that needs a 4 way. thanks

Jon G.

10/27/2020

I recommend using the Wiring Kit # ETBC7 along with the extra wire # ETBCXW for your 2019 ProMaster 2500. This gives you both a 4-Way and a 7-Way plus it comes with all of the parts you need to make the 7-Way fully functional so that you can even connect an electric brake controller.

Robert G.

10/28/2020

@JonG thank you!

Pelagic

10/24/2020

Will the ETBC7 work on a 2008 FJ Cruiser ( manual transmission) and will it Work with the CURT 51170 Spectrum Original Equipment Style, Integrated Electric Trailer Brake Controller, Proportional ?

Jon G.

10/26/2020

Yes and yes. If your 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser doesn't already have a 4-Way connector then you'll also need that as well. I recommend using the T-One # 118405 which connects to the # ETBC7 for your Curt Spectrum # C51170 controller.

Antonio

10/24/2020

Hello, I have a 2003 GMC W3500 without any wiring for a trailer its this kit good choice to wire the truck for a trailer or there’s another kit out there?

Jon G.

10/26/2020

For your application you'll need a 4-Way kit like part # 20250 for the trailer lights and then the kit # ETBC7 in this article for all of your other functions.

Tom

10/6/2020

Have a 2010 Ford E-150 with no factory tow package nor the the factory wiring for trailer brakes with this kit work I have the 4 way connector above the rear axle

Jon G.

10/7/2020

Yes, the Wiring Kit # ETBC7 is exactly what you need for a brake controller. The only other thing you'll probably need is the extra wire # ETBCXW since your vehicle is longer.

Jerry O.

9/29/2020

I have a question. I purchased a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. It is already prewired with the flat 5wire plug. What kit would I need to convert to 7wire plug? Also, would any controller for electric brakes work with the kit you suggest?

Jon G.

9/29/2020

You will need the Wiring Kit # ETBC7 . This will allow you to install any of our brake controllers on your 2021 Hyundai Palisade. I really like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # 331-EBRH-ACCV2 because it has a really clean-looking installation and it can be installed pretty much anywhere.

Jerry O.

9/29/2020

@JonG , thanks for reply! As far as a controller, I have the controller that I was using in my 2010 Toyota 4Runner. I do have the wire harness for the Toyota with it. I'm hoping it can be modified to the wire installation.

Matt N.

9/12/2020

I have a 2004 Toyota with a factory seven pin electric brake receptacle and a factory tow hitch. Assuming the system was controller ready, I purchased your recommended 3040 harness. The pictures depicted under this year using a 3040 harness are not from 2004 LC but most likely an earlier year. I have uses mirrors and lights and can find only one unused female plug under the dash, near the brake pedal but it is twice the size of the male plug on the 3040. Did i get the wrong harness.

Jon G.

9/15/2020

The Tekonsha # 3040-P is designed to fit your 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser. Sometimes the plugs can be a little hard to find because they aren't always in the exact same place on every vehicle - sometimes you will need to do a little searching. If you can send me some pictures of the plugs that you're finding I can see if I can help out.

Dan H.

8/22/2020

i purchased draw tight brake controller for my 2020 cadf xt5 is there an adapter to do a plug in without having to hard wire it and where is the recepticle located if there is one

Jon G.

9/1/2020

You will need to hardwire the brake controller. According to the online version of the owner's manual you will find 4 blunt cut wires inside the front driver side instrument panel. Below is what functions those wires should carry but it would be good to check your copy of the owner's manual and/or test them with a circuit tester: 7-Way Brake Output - Blue 12V Power - Red/Green or Red/Blue Cold Side of Stoplight - White/Blue Ground - Black

Dave

8/20/2020

Does the black hot wire have to be connected to the 7 way connector? Or is it to charge the trailer battery/etc? I hope just the 4 way plug will power the light/turn signals then just connect the wire for brake controller. Thanks for any help..

Jon G.

8/29/2020

You are correct. The black power wire HAS to be connected if you're needing that 12V lead for your trailer battery. With that being said, if your trailer has electric brakes then you should have a breakaway battery kit installed on your trailer that will require the 12V power to charge. So the answer is essentially yes since you're using this for a brake controller setup.

Alan

8/20/2020

Can the ground wire from the brake controller be grounded inside the cabin on metal or must it be grounded in the engine area on the negative pole of the battery?

Jon G.

8/29/2020

It can be grounded inside the cabin. We just say to make the connection to the battery with this kit simply because you'll already be routing the duplex wire for power from the battery so why separate it out when the negative battery terminal gives you a really good connection you know?

Sean R.

8/10/2020

I have a 4pin trailer hookup and need to convert it to a 7pin. Will this adapter do the trick? And do you know who could do this for me?

Jon G.

8/17/2020

Yes, the # ETBC7 will do the trick for you. Any reputable shop should be able to easily do this for you. We recommend just doing some price-checking and making sure they have a good reputation.

Mike F.

8/7/2020

All looks great, except I wonder about those exposed circuit breakers up front near the battery. Seems like easy places to short a tool to ground while working on car, etc. No options on this, or covers, etc?

Jon G.

8/17/2020

I suppose if you aren't careful that could be a potential concern. That's why we try to find places that are out of the way to do the installation for the circuit breakers.

Steve

7/26/2020

I have a 2020 Highlander and am new to towing. I see which parts I need to convert my factory 4-pin flat connector to a 7-pin round connector. My concern is tapping into the wire from the brake depressed switch. I've read some comments that the brake controller puts a voltage on that line causes problems with cruise control. Is that true, (probably depends on which brake controller I buy), and if so do I need to also purchase a diode?

Chris R.

7/30/2020

I know exactly what you're talking about and it is something that's come up before on the later model Highlanders. It's a simple fix and I've linked an answer page below that explains how to do it.

Helpful Links

question-310477.html

Perry F.

7/13/2020

I own a 2019 Chevy Bolt EV. Do you have suggestions for a seven pin connector to this vehicle beyond these instructions?

Chris R.

7/17/2020

I wish there were some custom applications available for your Chevy Bolt EV, but you will indeed want to just follow the above-mentioned steps. You'll need to start with a 4-Way harness like the Tekonsha # 119147KIT and then use the # ETBC7 Kit to upgrade it to the 7-Way.

Luther W.

7/7/2020

didnt see a price on wire and brake sys. can i get a price to fit 2019 jeep grand cherokee thanks

Chris R.

7/11/2020

Are you looking at a particular brake controller model? All our pricing is listed on the individual product pages.

Russ E.

7/1/2020

Would you mind telling me what gauge/type of wire the grey duplex cable is and how many feet are supplied? I cut mine too short and tried splicing but made a mess of it. I was going to buy a replacement locally, since I need my brakes working by this weekend!

Chris R.

7/7/2020

The Wiring Kit # ETBC7 includes 25 feet of 10 gauge duplex wiring.

George

8/6/2020

Afternoon Chris. I am just verifying that the duplex is 10 gauge wire, which would be good for 30 amps. If I am pulling a single axle, and my circuit breaker would be 20 amps, would 12 AWG suffice? Thank you.

Jon G.

8/17/2020

@George The duplex wiring that comes with the # ETBC7 wiring kit is 10 gauge wire. We recommend using 10 over 12 basically because it can allow more "power" to reach back to your trailer brakes. By the time the power reaches your trailer brakes it has "lessened" (for lack of a better term) which is why trailer brake assemblies tend to use 12 gauge wire.

Morgan

6/24/2020

Good Morning, I have a 2004 Winnebago Journey 36G and I need a electric brake controller. Is there a kit that will plug into a factory plug or will it need to be hardwired? Thanks!

Chris R.

6/27/2020

From what I could find it looks like your 2004 Winnebago Journey is built on the Freightliner XC chassis. If this is the case and it's equipped with the factory 7-Way at the bumper, you can use the Plug-In Play Harness # 3027-P to allow for a simple installation of a Tekonsha or Draw-Tite controller. I specifically recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 .

David A.

4/28/2020

I installed your T-One wiring harness no problem. Thank you. Now i need to install the ETBC7 kit, but I dont know where the blue wire will go, as I also ordered a Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional Item # C51180, which mentions a ETBC7L? Did i buy the wrong wiring ETBC7 kit?

Chris R.

4/30/2020

The blue wire is used for the brake output circuit, which isn't needed for the Curt Echo Brake Controller # C51180 . It can simply be capped off. The Wiring Kit # ETBC7 that you purchased isn't the "wrong" kit for the Echo, you'll simply just have some extra wiring. No big deal. The alternate # ETBC7L is just a better match for that controller because it comes only with the wiring that's needed.

David A.

4/30/2020

@ChrisR OK, Thank you for the clarification.

Jerry O.

4/26/2020

I need to add a 5th pin to a flat four pin connector. What wire do I tap on the vehicle to get the reverse light on a 2017 Toyota Tacoma? Thanks

Chris R.

4/27/2020

The Tow Ready Adapter # 20036 is perfect for this application. It'll plug into your existing 4-Way and the additional blue wire is what splices into the Tacoma's reverse circuit wire. Unfortunately I don't have access to a wiring diagram that reliably shows what color this wire is on your 17 Tacoma, so your best route is to simply test the wiring behind one of the tail lights. Check to see which wire gets power when the reverse lights are activated.

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