How to Connect Trailer 7-Way to 2017 Toyota Highlander with Factory 4-Way

Updated 08/21/2020 | Published 07/29/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3465)

$118.67

Question:

We recently purchased a 2017 Toyota Highlander with the tow package. It came with a 4 pin connection but our Coleman popup had a 7 pin connector. How can I make this work?

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

We have just what you need to tow your camper with your new 2017 Toyota Highlander.

First, if your Coleman Popup Camper does not have electric brakes and you are only needing to power its rear signal lights, I recommend installing the Tow Ready Adapter Vehicle End # 30717. This will plug right into the 4-Way connector on your Highlander to provide a 7 pole round plug to hook up with your trailer. You will simply tie off the remaining wires from the adapter as they will not be needed in this application.

If the camper does have electric brakes and you want them to function, you will instead need to install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This kit will include everything needed to install a fully functional 7-Way connector from the 4-Way on your vehicle. I have attached an article that details the installation steps for this kit.

To control the brakes on your camper, you will also need a trailer brake controller like the excellent Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This is a great proportional controller that will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your Highlander. It features an easy to read digital display along with continuous diagnostics to alert you to any potential issues. I have attached a video demonstration and the installation instructions on this product for you to check out.

expert reply by: Chris R

Artur

8/10/2020

I need a solution to connect my 2017 Highlander to a travel trailer with brakes. I am seeing two harnesses that would potentially work: Item # ETBC7 (mentioned above) and Item # ETBC7L. I would like to connect it to a wireless Brake Controller like Item # C51180. I understand that each harness has a "blue" wire for output of the brake controller. How would I go about using a wireless brake controller with one of the above mentioned harnesses? Thank you in advance!

Jon G.

8/21/2020

For your 2017 Toyota Highlander you need to have a 4-Way installed, I recommend the T-One # 118449 if you don't have the factory tow package or the Hopkins # HM11141825 if you do, then the Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L to use the Curt Echo # C51180. For the Echo you will actually just be running a 12V power wire to power the brake controller. You won't be running the blue wire up to the cab because that wire is used when hardwiring a brake controller.