How to Install a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller on a 2017 Dodge Durango

Updated 06/08/2018 | Published 06/07/2018

Products Featured in This Question

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(188)

$68.67

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(357)

$103.31

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

(3397)

$121.27

Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector

(22)

$143.94

Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(2158)

$90.04

Question:

I plan on installing a Draw-Tite Hitch along with the brake controller onto my 2017 Durango. I’m looking at hooking up a small 20ft Travel Trailer that requires 7pole. After looking into the install videos for the T-One vehicle wiring harness I decided to use that as well. If I use the 4-Flat to 7-Pole adapter and plug into my T-One wiring do I still do to wire the additional wiring on the adapter? Or is there better wiring harness for the job? Thanks!

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

Yes, although you could use the 4-way part # 118617 in addition to the 4 to 7-way adapter part # ETBC7 I recommend the Tekonsha OEM Vehicle Wiring Harness part # TK22113 which is the better option for you as it is more cost effective and designed specifically for your 2017 Dodge Durango. Unfortunately, you will still need to run wires to install this harness but there is no way around this due to how the vehicle was equipped form the manufacturer.

The recommended 7-way harness comes with a brake controller adapter but in order to use this you would need a Tekonsha brake controller for which I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller part # TK90160. This controller is a proportional brake controller which senses inertia from the tow vehicle and applies that same inertia to the trailer's brakes. It will be much more effective than the timed-delay controller you selected in the Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller part # 5504.

Review videos on the above products are attached for your convenience.