How to Add Brake Controller to 2020 Toyota Highlander With 4-Way

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Question:

Hello, I have a 2020 Toyota Highlander with a hitch and a 4 way connector. I need to add a brake controller and 7 way pin as cheaply and easily as possible. Would these two items be all I need to pull our camper with this vehicle? ETBC7 - Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller to convert the 4 way to a 7 way and connect to battery and a Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional C51180 that would hopefully plug and play. Camper is 2020 Salem FSX179DBKX, single axle. Thank you for your insight and recommendations.

asked by: Nathan

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Nathan; as long as you have a hitch and ball mount the 7-way and brake controller will be everything you need to tow your camper. The Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 is going to be the most cost effective way to add a 7-way to your Highlander. I attached some installation videos from other Highlanders below for your reference.

The Curt # C51180 is going to be the easiest installation by far. This plugs in-line with your 7-way at the rear so you don't have to run any wires or find a place for it in the cab of the vehicle. If you only need the brake controller for occasional towing and don't want to mess with anything else this is a great option.

If you plan on towing a lot I would get a traditional brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED52VR and take the extra time to install it. This eliminates the need to rely on an app and makes adjustments easy while driving. The main unit on this brake controller installs behind the dash so only the knob is visible. This gives it a nice clean look and also means it won't take up space.

expert reply by: Robin H

0

Robin H.

11/17/2025

Hey Nathan, how did things go adding the 7-way and brake controller to your Highlander? Did the Curt Echo setup work smoothly for your camper? Your update could make it easier for the next person with the same towing setup.

Answer 1

Nyle, it sounds like you've done your research so good on you! Unfortunately to my knowledge there are no Bluetooth brake controllers, or any brake controllers that will work with a 4-pin, all of these brake controllers are going to require a…

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Answer 2

Hey Greg! We hear that quite often about U-Haul. The Hopkins 47185 is almost identical to our item #HM47180, so if they installed it correctly you should have a blue wire ran into your 2019 Toyota Highlander's cab. If not you'll need to use…

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Answer 3

I am not sure which video you are referring to but if you take a look at the 10:45 mark in the attached install video on a 2013 Toyota Highlander, you will see exactly where the bundle of wires are that you will need to tap into for the brake light…

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Answer 4

I believe that you are trying to connect to the cold side of the brake light switch. The hot side wouldn't do you any good, but the cold side is what you would connect a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 #90885 to. Your best bet is to…

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Answer 5

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 6

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 7

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

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Answer 8

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 9

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 10

Hey Aaron, great question! The Trailer Mate Trailer Hitch Receiver #TMT67FR is definitely a budget friendly option for a hitch on your 2026 Highlander. This is basically the economy line from Curt. The welds are a little different (but will still do…

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Answer 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 12

Hi David! We do have a plug in wiring harness for your 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE with the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #C56RV. This is fully plug and play and will use that square port/plug you already…

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How to Add Brake Controller to 2020 Toyota Highlander With 4-Way

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