What is Unused 5th Wire of Brake Controller Wiring for

Question

Question:

Im interested in a trailer brake controller but noticed all that I am finding use only 4 of the 5 wires on the vehicle side of the connector. What is that 5th unused wire for? And are there any brake controllers that use that 5th wire for an additional feature?

asked by: Mark

0

Expert Reply:

Typically the 5th wire of a brake controller wiring bundle on a vehicle is the "illumination circuit" which is basically a circuit that activates when the headlights of the vehicle are on to power a backlight for the brake controller. This is not typically used anymore since brake controllers have digital displays now so it's not needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

To install a Redarc Tow Pro Liberty in your 2023 Toyota Tacoma Sport you will need the following parts: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item #RED99FR…

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Answer 4

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 5

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 6

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 7

We can get you everything you need for towing with your 2017 Toyota Sienna XLE. By plastic shield, I believe you are referring to the appearance panel underneath the Sienna, and that will have to trimmed a bit in each of the hitches available for the…

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Answer 8

Hey Eddy, this is a great question but for the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse with the factory tow package, there is factory brake-controller wiring behind the driver's-side kick panel, but there is not a plug-and-play connector/adapter available for…

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Answer 9

By all accounts the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170 works well and is easy to use and install on most vehicles. It is a brand new item so not a lot of feedback has come in on it. I did learn a few things though after speaking with our…

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Answer 10

Norm, thanks for hanging out! Along with one fitting different brands of trucks the Trail and Elite are also different. The Tow Pro Trail # RED94UR is designed to be used primarily off-road, specifically engineered and tested for off-road adventures.…

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What is Unused 5th Wire of Brake Controller Wiring for

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