Adding 7-Way with 12V Pin Active for Wireless Brake Controller on 2016 Toyota Highlander

Updated 04/29/2019 | Published 04/26/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1832)

$289.95

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(363)

$85.28

Question:

I want to put a 7 pin on my Highlander to be used with a wireless brake controller. My understanding is that I still need to run a 30 amp circuit to the battery to the back of the vehicle. When I view your video of this process and all of the under vehicle tie ins from the 4 flat to the 7 pin I get concerned. Is there a another way to get 12V power to the 7 pin? Also is there a configuration of harnesses which will allow all of the interconnections to be made in the vehicle and have one factory insulated cable go out to the exterior 7 pin plug? What is the power circuit that is wired into the Toyota trailer wiring in the back of the vehicle which you use for the 4 flat converter used for and can that somehow be used? THANKS for you wealth of knowledge.

asked by: Gill B

Expert Reply:

When using a Wireless Brake Controller like the Curt Echo # C51180 (my personal recommendation because of its super easy setup process) you do indeed need to have the 12V circuit pin active on a 7-Way connector.

It sounds like your Highlander is already equipped with a 4-Way. If this is the case then I recommend using the etrailer.com Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L. This will plug right into that existing 4-Way to provide you with a 7-Way at the other end. When using one of the above mentioned brake controllers the black 12V wire is the only extra wire coming out of that harness that needs to be ran to the front of the vehicle. The white wire just gets grounded to a nearby bare metal surface and the blue and yellow wires can just get tied off as they won't be needed.

The kit includes the extra wiring and circuit breakers needed to run this black power wire.

I do understand your hesitance to run this wire all the way up to the battery but it's definitely what I recommend to ensure the brake controller gets proper power and you don't blow any fuses due to an overdraw (which might potentially happen if connecting the power wire to any other 12V source in the vehicle along the way). I have attached a great article on this exact subject that you can take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R