Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?

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Question:

Can I use a 4 way flat to 7 round adapter and the Curt Bluetooth brake controller

asked by: Ricky F

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may already have a 4 way connector on your vehicle, which is half of the battle. In order to operate the Curt Echo Mobile Wireless Brake Controller # C51180 you will need an almost fully functional 7 way connector; using something like the Hopkins # 37185 adapter from the answer you were looking at would work, but it doesn't come with all of the wiring you'll need so I don't recommend using that and you will need to run a power wire to your battery (not included).

Instead, I recommend using the # ETBC7L, which has all of the wiring you'll need to easily install a 7 way connection on your tow vehicle capable of powering the Curt Echo brake controller. This kit will use your existing 4 way to plug into the light functions and then you'll just need to run a wire to the battery and reverse light functions to have the connections you need.

I've linked one of our helpful videos that runs through how to install an ETBC7L connector and since you've already got a 4 way on your vehicle, the process should be relatively easy.

expert reply by: Erik B

0

Drew

6/19/2024

Why couldn't you use the one he has and just run your black 12 gauge wiring that I already have to battery, and save $60,,,,,it's just $60 for the extra 12gauge black wiring to run to battery???or am I missing something

Reply

Jameson C.

6/19/2024

@Drew Yes that would work. Or we have the version of this adapter specifically for the Echo with the part # ETBC7L.

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Jessica

7/4/2024

So I'm looking at wiring the 12v power from my batter back to my hitch and using the 4:7 converter as mentioned in this answer.. will there constantly be 12v power being drawn from my battery even when not in use? Do I need to install a switch or something similar??

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Robin H.

7/5/2024

@Jessica you won't need a switch with the # ETBC7L. There won't be any power draw when the connector is not in use.

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Gregg

5/5/2025

@RobinH So my 2020 Ram already has both factory 4 pin flat and 7 way round connections, but no integrated brake controller. Trailer is going to have flat pin but not sure if 4 or 5 yet because i am installing electric brakes. Isn't there an 7 way round to flat 4 or 5 pin adapter that can be plugged into the Echo wireless controller?

Reply

Robin H.

5/6/2025

@Gregg you could do that with an adapter like # C35FR but I don't see a reason to unless you have a reverse lockout. If you have electric brakes you're going to need a 7-way so the Echo works as is. If you have a 4-way on the trailer and it has brakes they must be surge brakes. No brake controller is needed for these brakes so you can remove the Echo.

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Answer 1

There are two types of wiring harnesses for your 2001 Lexus RX300, one if you have the factory tow package and one if you do not have the factory tow package. In order to determine if you have the factory tow package you would need to call the…

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Answer 2

Your photo did not come through to us with your question, but we appreciate that effort! The Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring Kit you referenced, part #C55245, is intended for vehicles that have the factory tow package installed. The connector that…

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Answer 3

There are 2 different Curt trailer wiring harnesses for your 2002 Lexus LX 470. If the vehicle did not come with the factory tow package then you would need #C59236. If it does have the factory tow package you would use #C55245. If you are not sure,…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

For your application, to add electric trailer brakes to your system without needing to splice into any factory wires, you could use the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit, #119250KIT.…

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Answer 6

If you are adding the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector #22119 to your 2018 Toyota Highlander and your trailers do not have reverse lights then you do not need to splice into the…

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Answer 7

With your 2018 Honda Odyssey already having a 4-pin flat connector you will need the 7-Way Kit #ETBC7. This will allow you to connect to your 4-way flat and provides the additional wiring for a charge line and brake controller. For a brake controller…

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Answer 8

I do have ways to help with trailer sway and vehicle sag on your 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan but none of the trailer hitch receivers they have for your vehicle are compatible with a weight distribution system. Load leveling is what Volkswagen calls what…

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Answer 9

To add a 7-way to your 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan you need to add a 4-way connector #118811 and after adding a 4-way you can convert it to a 7-way with #ETBC7 which is a universal 7-way wiring kit. The 7-way has to have the 4-way to work. I have attached…

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Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 11

To install a brake controller in your 1998 GMC C/K series 1500, there are a couple of items you will need in addition to the brake controller. If the truck does not have a 4-Way trailer connector, you will need to add one like part #118315. The…

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Answer 12

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Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?

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