Does the 12 Volt Black Power Wire Need to be Run with the Curt Echo If There Is No Trailer Battery

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Question:

I have a 2018 Highlander trying to tow a 19ft pop up camper. I have the factory installed hitch and 4 pin harness. Im thinking of ordering the ETBC7 and the Curt Echo. I know I cap the brake controller wire, but what about the 12 volt wire? Do I have to run it to the car battery? If I dont have any desire to charge the aux battery on the front of my camper, does it serve another purpose? Does the Echo require it to run?

asked by: Michael

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Expert Reply:

For starters, if you will be using the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180 then I recommend the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation part # ETBC7L instead of the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller part # ETBC7 as you can save some cash this way. The Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller has extra wires that you don't need.

In regards to the black 12 volt power wire, this will need to be run if using the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller because that is how the unit receives power. If you are using a different brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 but will not be charging any battery on the trailer or using the 12 volt accessory then the black 12 volt power wire will not need to be run but this one will require the blue brake output wire instead.

Therefore, you can either choose to run the 12 volt black power wire to the battery for the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller or the blue brake output wire into the cab for the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller. I will say the 12 volt black power wire will be an easier option than the blue brake output wire still as you also have to make connections under the vehicle's dash for the brake controller as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

I do have an option for you but the No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket part #18140 doesn't really work well for 7-ways as there is not enough extension to clear the wiring loom. Instead, you'd want to use the No-Drill Mount…

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Answer 2

Since you said you do not have a towing package on your 2015 Highlander, you will first need to start with a 4-way wiring harness like part #118449. This harness simply plugs into the connection points located in the rear cargo area as shown in the…

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Answer 3

When installing the 7-Way Universal Installation Kit #ETBC7 on your 2015 Kia Soul it appears there is a nice space above the cover for the fuse panel. I have included an installation video we did for this for an older 2012 Soul as it has a similar…

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Answer 4

I spoke with my contact at Redarc regarding the Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller #RED44FR referenced in your question. He stated that the remote head cable is a standard RJ45 network cable, so while Redarc does not offer a longer replacement,…

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Answer 5

When mounting 7-way brackets you actually don't want to attach to the frame of the hitch by drilling into it. The best place to attach the bracket of the #ETBC7 that holds the 7-way should be on the bottom of the rear bumper.

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Answer 6

On your 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, you do not disconnect the brake light switch. On Hybrids unless the battery is disconnected or ignition is in the off position you may set off a code in the computer system that limits the vehicle's motion.…

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Answer 7

Here's what I'd recommend. If you have an exposed portion of the hitch crossbar to work with, use the #18136 no drill bracket. This fastens to the hitch crossbar using an included pipe clamp. You'll also use the #PK12711U 7-way mounting…

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Answer 8

To install a Redarc Tow Pro Liberty in your 2023 Toyota Tacoma Sport you will need the following parts: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item #RED99FR…

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Answer 9

It it becoming increasingly popular to use an auto resetting circuit breaker in place of a fuse nowadays. The reason for this is that in the event of a short, the breaker will trip and stop the supply of power. When the circuit is fixed the breaker…

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Answer 10

The Curt Easy Mount Bracket #C58003 would not work for you because it is for a 2-1/2" hitch. Instead, you would want to use Easy Mount Bracket #C58000. Another simple option would be the Curt No-Drill Bracket #C57202. I've added links to…

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Answer 11

As far as the mounting bracket, you can absolutely screw it directly to the hitch if you want. We do this frequently in our own installs and it will not compromise the strength of the hitch in any way. Now putting a few holes in the hitch does open…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Does the 12 Volt Black Power Wire Need to be Run with the Curt Echo If There Is No Trailer Battery

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