Upgrading Existing 4-Pole Trailer Connector on 2017 Nissan Pathfinder to 7-Way
Updated 05/13/2021 | Published 05/12/2021
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Question:
Hi there - I installed etrailer part C56281 Curt 4-pin trailer light kit from yourselves a few years ago on my 2017 Pathfinder. Now needing a 7-pin kit for a new trailer and looking at item #118273. Wondering if the 7-pin end of the harness can be clipped into the two underbelly factory connectors and thats all I need to do since the relays and other wiring from that point on are in place from the 4-pin kit? The new larger trailer has brakes as well, so not sure if I need to run more power or if just replacing the tail of the 4-pin installation with the tail of the 7-pin connection is all I need to do. Thanks in advance!
asked by: Dale L
Expert Reply:
The Tekonsha # 118273 7-way trailer connector uses the same jumper harness and relays that are used by the Curt # C56281 so you can simply leave those in place and install the 7-way and harness provided with the # 118273 and plug it into the factory connectors you described. That harness will provide the trailer lighting, a 12V feed and transmit the brake controller output from the connector under the dash, but you'll need to install a brake controller to actually actuate the trailer brakes.
For the most effective and predictable braking, I'd recommend going with a proportional controller like the Brake EVN, part # TK63VR. You'll also need the # 3050-P brake controller wiring harness, which allows a plug an play installation. The brake controller plugs into the connector which will be taped to a wiring harness under the dash to the left of the steering column as shown in the provided photo. The connector will typically have a white tag attached to it, as shown.
I've linked to an install video for the # 118273.
(click to enlarge)
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