Parts Needed to Add 7-Way and Brake Controller to 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Updated 09/28/2024 | Published 06/06/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1885)

$289.95

Redarc Tow-Pro Wiring Adapter for Tekonsha Brake Controller Harness

(100)

$27.00

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

(3069)

$190.00

Question:

I have a 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. I have a 4 pin flat connector on my Highlander. My trailer has a 7 pin flat connector and has brakes. A single axle. I want to be able to activate my brakes on my trailer. What hardware do you suggest?

asked by: Brad G

Expert Reply:

In order to use the brakes on your trailer you will need to start by adding a 7-way to your 2018 Toyota Highlander. In order to add this you can use the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector # 22119. This will plug into the connection point in your rear cargo area for installation. You will also need to splice the blue wire into your vehicle wiring and run the body harness to your car battery.

In addition to the 7-way you will also need a brake controller. The Curt Echo # C51180 you were looking at is a great choice and easy to install. This plugs in line with your 7-way and is controlled via Bluetooth on your phone. The app allows you to control the braking power and also acts as the manual override.

If you would prefer a brake controller in the cab of your vehicle, I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR. The main unit of this brake control mounts out of sight so only the knob is visible. The knob controls the braking power and also acts as the manual override. The 7-way comes with a Tekonsha brake controller wiring harness so you would be able to plug this in to the Tekonsha harness using the Redarc Tow-Pro Wiring Adapter for Tekonsha Brake Controller Harness # 331-TPH-017.

I'm assuming when you say you have a 7 pin flat connector on your trailer that you mean a 7 Round - Blade. If that is not the case then I recommend removing the connector on your trailer and adding the # H20043. This will allow you to plug your trailer into your vehicle.

I have attached some installation videos for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H

Randy

9/16/2024

I bought he harness 22119. And curt brake controller 1180. I have a Highlander hybrid 2018. The battery is in the back of the Highlander. Can I just run the red blue and black wires from the wire harness to the battery in the trunk? Since I am using the curt brake controller do I have to run cable to the engine compartment? I wish there was a video of installation on a hybrid.

Robin H.

9/16/2024

@Randy you can use the battery in the trunk for installation. As far as I know, that is the only 12V battery the vehicle has. I believe the only battery in the engine compartment is the 288V hybrid battery. This should make installation a little easier since you don't have to run the wire very far. Also, you can skip running the blue brake output wire up to the cab since you're using the Curt Echo. We don't see as many hybrids for installations which means we don't have a lot of videos that cover this.

Randy

9/16/2024

@RobinH thanks Robin, I am still a little uneasy. Could you find a video installation on a vehicle with the battery in the trunk (rear end) and without a factory tow package? I have the tekonsha 7 way trailer connector 22119 and the Curt c51180 wireless brake controller. I would just like to see where the blue wire is going and be careful. Thanks Randy

Robin H.

9/17/2024

@Randy we don't have any videos for a 7-way like that with the battery in the trunk. We have this video where the hot lead on a 4-way runs to the trunk battery but that isn't the same process as the 7-way installation. Follow the instructions for the wiring harness like you would if you ran it to a battery in the engine, The only difference is you're attaching it to the 12V battery in the trunk. Like I said before, you can skip running the blue wire. The Curt Echo does not use the blue wire at all so running it up the cab is pointless and unnecessary. The only reason you would need to run the blue wire is if you had an in cab brake controller like the # 90195. The Echo is already plugged in at the 7-way so it doesn't need to send the brake output signal from the cab back to the connector, it goes directly through to the trailer.

Helpful Links

tv-install-curt-4-pole-vehicle-wiring-harness-2020-toyota-rav4-c56434.aspx

Randy B.

9/20/2024

Robin, I have the harness installed and have put my battery back in the Highlander. I am using the curt electronic WiFi brake controller. I have 3 power fuse wires to connect for 1. tow harness power module, 2. 7 way harness and 3. brake control power fuse. Do I connect them all to the battery? Thanks

Robin H.

9/21/2024

@RandyB follow the wiring diagram from the 22119 instructions linked below for the battery connections just like you would if you had a 12V battery in the engine compartment.

Helpful Links

instructions.aspx?pn=22119

Randy B.

9/28/2024

@RobinH hello. I did follow the wiring diagram you attached connecting the red and black terminals to the battery. I got an error message (lane change system corrupted see dealer). I took the fuse out of the red wire and the error message disappeared.