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How to Add a 7-Way and Brake Controller to a School Bus  

Updated 02/11/2024 | Published 02/10/2024

Question:

Hello, I have a 2001 Thomas Saf-T-Liner School Bus. Can you recommend products to wire up a 7-pin plug with a trailer brake controller?

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Expert Reply:

I sure can! To add a 7-way connector and a brake controller to your 2001 Thomas Saf-T-Liner you will first need to have a 4-flat connector. If you do not already have one you'll have two options depending on your buses lights. If the turn signals and brake lights use the same bulb you could install the 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector item # 18252. If your bus has amber turn signals that are separate from the brake lights you will need a converter. The Curt Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector item # C56175 would be the best way to go.

To add the actual 7-way, I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your bus with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it. 

You will then connect the blue wire to the blue wire on the brake controller, connect the black wire to the positive post on the your battery, the white wire to ground, and the yellow wire to a reverse circuit if applicable. This will provide you with the ability to control your trailer's brakes and also provide you with a 12v power wire for you trailer's accessory lights.

For a brake controller, my personal favorite is the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty item # RED24FR you were looking at. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your vehicle. The Liberty has a unique installation method where the main unit is concealed behind your dash and the only part visible is the control knob.

The Redarc has a 3-Axis accelerometer that measures deceleration in all directions for precise braking and smooth, uniform stopping action. It automatically adjusts the trailer's braking based on deceleration of your vehicle.

You will need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED69FR to complete the installation.

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