Parts Needed to Use a Brake Controller in a 2011 Toyota Rav4 with 4-way Connector Present

Updated 03/28/2022 | Published 03/27/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3398)

$119.77

Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob

(733)

$13.00

Curt No-Drill Bracket for 6-Way or 7-Way Round Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket - Long

(300)

$30.83

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

(337)

$96.74

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

(2507)

$190.00

Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(420)

$27.00

30-Amp MIDI Fuse Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle 12-Amp BCDC Battery Charger

(5)

$65.00

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger - Single Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 12 Amp

(23)

$345.00

Question:

My tow vehicle is a 2011 RAV4. My trailer is a 1500 lbs popup camper factor wired with a 7-pin connector. The tow vehicle has an after market 4-pin flat connector installed, using a power wire to the battery and a 10 amp fuse installed inline near the battery. I use a 4-pin to 7-pin adapter to connect to the trailer and have signal and brake lights with no issue. I want to be able to charge the trailer’s 12V deep cycle battery using the tow vehicle while underway. Will connecting my tow vehicle with the existing after- market 4-pin flat connector and ETBC7L charge my trailer battery while underway? Does the kit come with everything I would need? Or, do I need to start over with using the ETBC7, or something else entirely, and why, and what else is needed? [I don’t plan on using a brake controller, Our state requires it for 3000 lbs trailer, and, I understand it is OK to simply leave brake controller wire unconnected]. Thanks in advance for your help!

asked by: Natalie G

Expert Reply:

You are already on the correct track. In order to install a 7-way on your 2011 Toyota Rav4 you have to have a 4-way installed first. Since you already have a 4-way you can use the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 to adapt your 4-way into a 7-way. You would still want to run the second power wire to the battery. The wire for the 4-way is only 10-amp while the 7-way wire is 40-amp and they are serving different purposes. I also recommend picking up the Curt No-Drill Bracket # C57202 which will allow you to use the bracket included in the # ETBC7 to mount the 7-way to your hitch.

For a brake controller I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR. You would also need the Universal Wiring Harness # RED69FR for installation. This will provide you with a proportional brake controller that provides a sleek control knob, opposed to a bulky brake controller. You can then use the Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob # 331-TPSI-002 to provide a clean, factory like appearance to the control knob.

expert reply by: Scott S

Natalie G.

3/27/2022

Scott S.

3/28/2022

If the only purpose to getting a 7-way is to "charge" your trailers battery then the # ETBC7, # ETBC7L or any 7-way is not what you want for that purpose. The power coming from a 7-way is not going to be enough to charge a battery, at best it will be enough to maintain an already charged battery keeping it from draining. You would need to use something like the Redarc BCDC Battery Charger # RED96FR. You'll also want to use a fuse kit to ensure your equipment is all protected - 30-Amp MIDI Fuse Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle 12-Amp BCDC Battery Charger Item # RED86FR.