Should Tow Pro Liberty RED24FR Brake Controller Ground to Chassis or Negative Battery Terminal

Updated 08/04/2021 | Published 08/03/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2578)

$190.00

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

(3417)

$127.95

Question:

Hello. I recently ordered and installed the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty using the universal wiring harness and ETBC7 kit. The diagram for the ETBC7 shows the ground from the controller white wire going directly to the battery negative terminal. The instructions for the Tow-Pro suggest using a chassis ground point. I suspect there is no difference in most installations, and I used the battery negative in my 2014 Subaru Outback. Do you have any reason to suggest I use a ground point instead? Redarc raises concerns about using the battery negative in cars with smart alternators. Thanks again for the excellent products and exceptional support, including the videos.

asked by: Colin R

Expert Reply:

As you said, we typically recommend grounding directly to the vehicle battery when doing a hardwire install using the # ETBC7 install kit. From what I understand, the suggestion for using a chassis ground is mainly meant for vehicles with CAN bus wiring systems. So, if your vehicle has a CAN bus wiring system (section 2.2.4 of the instructions), use a chassis ground. Otherwise, you can ground to the negative battery terminal.

expert reply by: Mike L