Parts Needed To Activate Trailer Brakes With A 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Question

Question:

Can I connect brakes to my 2024 Grand Highlander that came from the factory with a class 3 hitch receiver and a 4 pin connector?

asked by: Allan

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

To activate the brakes on a trailer with your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander you'll need a 7-way connector and brake controller. To switch over from your 4-pin connector you can install the # ETBC7L. This will plug into your 4-pole connector and then you'll run a line to the frame for ground and a fused line to the battery to power the 7-way. Once that's complete you can install the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller # C51180 to have a functioning brake controller to send out the signal to the trailer's brakes.

expert reply by: Kevin C

1

Ron P.

9/20/2025

In the solution you stated there is no mention of a wire linked to the brakes - brakelight, so how does it activate the electric trailer brakes?

Reply

Robin H.

9/21/2025

@RonP the # C51180 gets that signal through the 7-way and then the 3-axis accelerometer measures the deceleration and applies the brakes to match. The only thing missing from this setup vs. a traditional setup is the brake output wire. Basically, the brake controller is now at the rear of the vehicle so you don't need an extra wire to connect it from the cab to the 7-way.

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Answer 1

We can definitely help install a brake controller and 7-way on your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander but first the brake controller I recommend is the Redarc Tow Pro Liberty part #RED24FR with the install harness part #RED69FR. As this controller puts…

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Answer 2

Hey Todd, congrats on the new SUV. To add a class III hitch to your 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend our etrailer item #e69ZV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. It has a 5,000 lbs towing capacity and a…

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Answer 3

Hey Steve. Normally I would say you're describing a bad ground but we've had this issue with the wiring connectors before when Toyota first launched the Grand Highlanders. Does your 2025 Grand Highlander have the factory tow package?…

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Answer 4

Hey David, lets start with a hitch for your 2022 Toyota Highlander. For that the etrailer part #e75ZR is my favorite option as it has great towing capacities and is mostly hidden. Then to install a 7-way harness all you need is the part #TK57VR and…

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Answer 5

Hey Kyle, congrats on the new SUV! I am a big fan of the Redarc brake controllers for the exact same reason. The Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item #ETBC7 plugs directly into your 4-way connector and requires you to run a…

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Answer 6

Hi Eric, congratulations on the new camper! Starting with a hitch I recommend the etrailer #e75ZR. This is a Class III hitch with a 500 lb max tongue weight and a bolt-on installation. It has a concealed cross tube for a nice clean look and also…

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Answer 7

Hello Sherri. No, the 24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier with etrailer Enclosure Cage for 2" Hitches - Steel - 440 lbs #RP85AR can not be folded up when it is not in use. The cage portion of the unit can be easily removed by loosening the 4 bolts on each…

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Answer 8

Hey Micah, I confirmed with Curt that the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C26VV would be a fit for your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander with dual exhaust. If you plan on towing a trailer then you'll want to pick up the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring…

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Answer 9

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 10

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 11

Hey Tom, I checked with Tekonsha and it does look like the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter #TK57VR does work with a 2024 Grand Highlander. For a brake controller I'd actually suggest going with one of…

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Answer 12

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. The Curt item #C26VV is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Parts Needed To Activate Trailer Brakes With A 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

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