Parts Needed To Add Electric Trailer Brakes to a 1997 Coleman Taos and Tow With a 2023 Kia Sportage

Published 01/20/2023

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

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10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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Grease Seal

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Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load

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Trailer Wiring Junction Box

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2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

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etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2,000 lbs

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Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 2K Axles - 7" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - L44643 - Pre-Greased

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1-1/2" 12pt Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel

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

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

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Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW

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Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional

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Question:

I just bought a 1997 Coleman Fleetwood Taos and will be pulling it with my 2023 Kia Sportage no towing accessories in place. 1. What do I need for the vehicle? 2. Would like to upgrade the camper with electric brakes, what will I need to modify the wheel hubs to add electric brakes?

asked by: Pete C

Expert Reply:

First you will need the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e38KR for your 2023 Kia Sportage. I recommend using the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution # FA92-00-0450 to connect your trailer. This will help reduce rear end sag while also helping to prevent trailer sway while driving on the highway. You will also need a 2" Hitch Ball # 40038 along with a 1-1/2" 12pt Socket # ALL643210 to fasten it to the hitch.

For the electrical you will first need the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C99DR to connect to the tail lights. This will give you a 4-way flat connector which will then connect to the Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7. This will give you a 7-way connector and includes the wiring necessary to install a Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED52VR. The main unit for this controller hides behind the dash with only a small control knob on the dash to adjust the brake force.

For you 1997 Coleman Fleetwood Taos you will need 2 Hub/Drums # AKHD-545-2-1K. You will need to replace the included grease seals included with the hub for 2 of the larger Grease Seals # 10-9 to fit your spindles. The Brake Kit # AKEBRK-2 will give you the brake assemblies for both the left and right side. Since your Taos did not come with electric brakes you will likely need to add the 7-Way Junction Box # 38656 and a Breakaway Kit # 3802346. You will also need some Wire # 10-1-1 to run to the brake assemblies.