Adding a 4- and 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller to a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with 4-Way Only

Updated 09/10/2015 | Published 09/09/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(26)

$33.60

Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End

(64)

$28.38

Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter

(1054)

$7.78

Question:

I have a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with the factory tow package installed. It currently has a 4 pole connection. I want to add 118267, C51382, C51120, C58000 so that I can pull our new camping trailer and utilize the trailer brakes installed on the trailer. I would like to keep the four pole connection active as well since our boat trailer is a 4 pole. I understand that I could use and adapter to accomplish this, but is there a way to T or Y the current 4 pole connection? If so is there a t connection that will fit the factory clips?

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

Since your 2009 Nissan Pathfinder already has a factory 4-Way you can use # 118267 to install a 7-Way. But to retain the use of a 4-Way you would need to replace the 7-Way that comes with the harness with # HM40950. Or you could use an adapter like you said such as # PK12716. It is not likely that the 7-Way or 7-Way and 4-Way would fit in the factory location but # HM40950 does have a mounting bracket included.

For a brake controller I highly recommend a proportional controller over a time delay controller. Time delay controllers send back a pre-determined amount of braking power no matter how hard the vehicle is braking. This requires a lot of fine tuning to get it just right and it can be stressful on the vehicle and trailer.

A proportional controller applies the trailer brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on the vehicle and trailer. For a brake controller and wiring harness I recommend the Primus IQ # TK90160 and harness # 3050-P. I have linked a video showing an installation using this harness for you.

expert reply by: Michael H