Installing Redarc Brake Controller in 2018 Kia Sorento Without Cutting Wires

Updated 06/12/2018 | Published 06/11/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1676)

$290.00

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

(3397)

$121.27

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Quick Splices - Self-Stripping Connector - Closed Port - 14-16-18/10-12 Gauge - Brown - Qty 1

(56)

$2.86

Question:

Hello, I have a new 2018 Kia Sorento V6 FWD with the factory tow hitch and flat four harness. Tow capacity is 3500 lbs assuming I can install a brake controller. I would like to use the Redarc controller Item # 331-EBRH-ACCV2 and your Universal Install kit for brake controllers ETBC7. I have several questions: 1. My car has radar distance pacing cruise control. So the car will slow to maintain a set distance to any car ahead. The car actually applies the brakes without me using the pedal. My question is this, if I tap in to the brake switch at the pedal for the brake signal to the controller, will the controller get any signal if I am using cruise control? I am guessing not. So I was thinking that I would run that wire back to the flat four harness and tap into the brake light signal there. I know that the brake lights come on with in the radar cruise control mode. Specifically I would tap into the red wire on the square four pole connector in Item # C56332. I tested it and that pol comes on with the brakes. 2. Can I use a fuse tap to power for the brake controller instead of running a new line through the firewall and directly to the battery? My fuse panel under the dash has several empty fuse locations that have +12V with key on. I could use a 25A fuse tap directly to the controller. And there are a couple good ground locations nearby that are threaded. See any problem with that plan. I am really looking to install the controller with as little cutting into the originally vehicles wiring. Thanks, your site is great.

asked by: Paul

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional # RED44FR will need to be installed using the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat # ETBC7. This will give you the circuit breakers, connectors, and wiring needed to connect your brake controller.

Tapping into your 4-way brake signal will work to give you the brake lights but unfortunately the turn signal is found on that same wire, so it would combine the signal. You would need to test the wiring at the factory connection using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to see if they are already combined or it the moldulite in the harness combines them. If they are combined prior to the modulite, then your brake controller would apply brakes when your turn signal sends signal as well which wouldn't be good.

Using a fuse tap is not ideal for a brake controller as it would need to reboot every time you start your vehicle and the settings would be lost. Brake controllers normally keep a very minimal draw from the battery to keep the settings, much like the clock on your dash, and would take months to ever deplete a battery (we get asked that all the time).

My recommendation is to hardwire your brake controller using the # ETBC7 kit and installing it exactly as intended. Since it sounds like your brake lights illuminate when using cruise control radar, your brake controller will also proportionately apply the brakes to your trailer when using the cruise control. If you don't want to cut the wires, you can use the quick splice connections like # SWC501925-1.