Can Trailer Brakes Function Without a Brake Controller on 2022 Hyundai Palisade

Updated 03/03/2022 | Published 03/01/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way to 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat

(472)

$34.94

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

(1769)

$279.95

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector

(156)

$147.91

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

(958)

$53.93

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

(3398)

$121.17

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

(337)

$96.74

Question:

I see all these adapters have a wire to be connected to the output of your brake controller. Can it be used without a brake controller but still have the brakes on your trailer work? Or can it be used with the curt Bluetooth brake controller? There wouldn’t be a way to connect that wire to that controller.

asked by: Dave H

Expert Reply:

That is correct. A 7-way adapter like the Curt Trailer Connector Adapter # C57672 has a blue wire which connects to a typical brake controller in your vehicle. The brakes on your trailer cannot be used without a brake controller. You need the brake controller to send the signal for braking in order for your brakes to function. You can, however, use the Curt Echo # C51180 without running the blue wire off of the back of the adapter.

The Echo plugs in-line with the 7-way at the back of your vehicle which eliminates the need to run the additional wire up to the cab of your vehicle. The blue wire is used to get the signal from the brake controller in the cab of your vehicle to the 7-way connection, which then runs through the trailer wiring to the brakes. Since the trailer wiring plugs directly into the Echo at the rear of the vehicle it can send that signal through the trailer wiring which will also have the blue wire. You will, however, still have to run the wire for 12V power to your battery from the adapter.

If you have the factory tow package, you can use the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector # C68JR. This will plug into the connection point at the center of the rear bumper and no additional wires are needed.

If you do not have the factory tow package, you would need to start by installing the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # CU94FR. Once this is completed, you would need the # ETBC7L if you do not want to run the brake controller wire or the # ETBC7 if you want to go ahead and do it. Any of these options would allow you to use the # C51180 brake controller.

I have attached some review and installation videos for your reference.