Adding Trailer Brake Controller To Open Cab Kioti RX 7320 Tractor

Question:

Would like to add trailer brake controller to an open cab Kioti RX 7320 tractor. Was looking to use Curt 57186 wiring. But I will need a weather proof trailer brake controller. Would the Curt 51170 rotary switch work? Any suggestions? Also any other customers who have done something similar to this?

asked by: Mike K

Expert Reply:

Hello Mike, thanks for reaching out. Yes, we have had other customers come to us about adding a brake controller to a tractor.

The Curt Universal Installation Kit # C57186 is exactly what you will need to install a brake controller on your Kioti RX 7320 tractor. You will just need to connect the two duplex wires and you can leave the 4-flat portion disconnected, or even cut it off if you don't intend to use it.

Since this is for a tractor and I imagine you will be off-road a majority of the time, so I suggest using a time delay brake controller like the Tekonsha POD Trailer Brake Controller # 39523. The time delay controller is better for off-road because bumps can confuse a proportional controller into thinking you are slamming on the brakes. The time delay will make for a much smoother towing experience when off road.

The Curt # C51170 you mentioned could work, but the control knob is not weatherproof, so unless you can find a very dry location for it, I really don't like the idea of spending that much $$$ on a controller only to risk damage to it right out of the gate. If you really like the Curt controller, then it will still work. Personally, it would not be my choice for tractor towing.

For the brake controller you will need a connection to the battery terminal, so the black wire will go to battery positive and white will go to negative. Then the blue wire will carry your brake output. The red wire will need to go to the stop lamp. If your tractor does not have brake lamps you will need to use a Universal Stop Light Switch Kit, like part # RM-751000 to get the proper signal to the controller.

Something to keep in mind here is the Tekonsha # 39523 is not weatherproof, nor are any of the controllers we offer. So, you will want to mount it as out of the way as possible and protect if from as much of the elements as you can. Maybe even fabricate some kind of shield to keep sun and rain off of it. You could just unplug and remove the controller when not in use. The main reasons I suggested this controller are because it is time delayed, and because it is very affordable. if exposure to the elements does cause it to go bad, it will not cost you an arm and a leg to replace.

You will find instructions for the parts I mentioned linked below. Let me know if you have any other questions.