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

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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

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 6

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 7

Hey Dale, thanks for reaching out. For your 2010 Toyota Tundra with the factory tow package, a proportional controller is definitely the way to go for smooth braking on a 2-axle trailer, and a really clean option is the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty…

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Answer 8

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 9

No, it will not Bryan. The Redarc Tow-Pro Link item #RED57AR requires a USCAR port that comes with factory tow packages. The Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Towing Kit item #SH25VR, that fits your 2023 BMW X5, does not have this…

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Answer 10

Thanks for reaching out Larry, Yea I did a double take when i seen 5500 lol If your 2019 Ram 5500 has the factory trailer tow package, the #RED87CR is indeed the correct fit and the mating connector should be present somewhere behind the dash. The…

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Answer 11

It sure will Hans and congrats on the new Outback! The Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller item #RED57AR is going to work great with your 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Since you have the factory tow package, all you'll need to do is…

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What is Unused 5th Wire of Brake Controller Wiring for

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