Trailer Wiring Harness Needed to Add 7-Way Connector to 2019 Toyota Highlander

Published 11/08/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1769)

$279.95

No-Drill Mount Bracket, Long

(679)

$19.75

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(175)

$17.87

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

(1122)

$43.29

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

(3395)

$121.25

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

(337)

$96.74

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

(2156)

$90.04

Question:

I did check the Echo but I dont have a phone that would work with it. I just want to know if I can install a 7 wire harness the old fashion way even though the Highlander has LED break lights . Thanks.

asked by: Randy F

Helpful Expert Reply:

When it comes to supplying power to the brake lights to your trailer your 2019 Toyota Highlander actually has an existing connector so you don't have to splice into the OEM wiring on your vehicle. To add a 4-Way connector for your basic trailer lights you either need the T-Connector Kit # 56042 if you have the factory tow package or the T-Connector Kit # C56217 if you don't have the factory tow package.

If you're referring to controlling the brakes on your trailer then you will actually need a brake controller for that. A brake controller will pull power from your vehicle battery as the brake light circuit on any given vehicle doesn't offer enough power to activate the brakes. It looks like you were checking out the Curt Echo Brake Controller # C51180 (which is an excellent choice) so in order to utilize this brake controller you'll need to install the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L. This it connects to the 4-Way connector mentioned above and then comes with a wire and connections to supply 12V of power to the Echo which, in turn, communicates with your trailer brakes and adjusts them depending on what settings you choose. The only other thing you'll want to get is a mounting bracket like part # 18136 which helps make your installation look clean.

I have attached some installation videos that you can check out on a 2019 Highlander so you get a great idea of what all of this entails.

expert reply by: Jon G

Randy F.

11/8/2019

Jon G.

11/8/2019

For a standard-type brake controller, like the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160 with the Pigtail # 7865, you'll need a 4-Way like what is mentioned above and then the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This is essentially the same as the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit but it has some extra pieces so you can route the wiring into the cab of your vehicle for the brake controller. Since none of the wiring pulls from the LED brake lights on your Highlander that isn't a factor. The only time that would be an issue is if you were installing a universal 4-Way harness that requires you to splice into the tail light wiring, but it wouldn't make sense to do that when there are provisions for a plug-n-play 4-Way connection point. Attached is an installation video of the Primus IQ and the ETBC7 being installed on a '17 Highlander that you can reference.