4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Wiring Recommendation for Towing with a 2018 Acura MDX

Published 12/05/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

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$70.07

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

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$88.95

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

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$179.97

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

(3397)

$121.25

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

(1676)

$290.00

Question:

I don't have any wiring connectors on my 2018 Acura MDX but I am needing to add both a 4-way and a 7-way so that I can tow a trailer with brakes. What parts do I need?

asked by: Holly

Expert Reply:

To start off you need a 4-Way connector on your 2018 Acura MDX. I recommend the Tekonsha T-One # 118628 because we have found the Tekonsha wiring to be the most reliable and it has the highest amp ratings so it can deliver more power to the trailer lights.

Then to add a 7-Way connector you need to install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This includes the adapter as well as all of the wiring and connectors needed to add a brake controller to your Acura MDX.

If you don't already have a brake controller then I highly recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR as it has a user-control mode and a proportional mode, and it also installs out of the way so that only the control knob is visible. The user-control mode activates your brakes at a predetermined strength while proportional activates your trailer brakes in proportion to the brake pedal in your tow vehicle. I have attached a sample installation video of the ETBC7 kit and this being installed on a 2016 MDX for you to reference.

I recommend using the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98840 if you don't already have one installed as it has a bracket attached to mount your wiring connector which contributes to the clean looking installation.

To complete your towing setup you also need a ball mount kit. I recommend the kit # 989900 which gives you both a 1-7/8" and a 2" hitch ball as well as a ball mount with a 3/4" rise/2" drop and a ball mount with a 2-3/4" rise/4" drop. Please be sure to check out the linked ball mount article to ensure that these will work for your towing application.

I have also attached an installation video of the trailer hitch for you to reference. You will want to check out your owner's manual for any additional information regarding safe towing and weight ratings.