Can a Bluetooth Brake Controller Be Used W/ a 4-Pin Trailer Harness
Updated 01/17/2025 | Published 01/15/2025
Question:
Question: My Ford Flex has only 4 pin trailer wiring but my new trailer is hard wired for a 7 pin plug. I know that they make adapters that will make my 4 pin work for lights only on 7 pin and that normally you would need to run wires for extra power to the battery and a brake controller to provide those functions. My question is: Is it not yet possible to use a bluetooth brake controller on a 4 pin to provide a 7 pin trailer connection? [Even if the bluetooth brake controller required extra power, there is a 12V power outlet right next to the lift gate and it could be routed to the bluetooth brake controller. This would save tearing about the interior of the vehicle to run the extra cabling to the front and ease installation.] Thank you.
asked by: Nyle
Expert Reply:
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 7-way.
So with that being said, I recommend adding the Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole # 37185 which will plug into your existing 4-pin and only require a couple of connections to be made - it shouldn't require you to rip apart your interior.
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller
- Shop: 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Video: Installing the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller on a 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Video: Install: 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation on a 2023 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: How to Add Brake Controller to 2020 Toyota Highlander With 4-Way
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller
- Video: Set up: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness on a 2019 Nissan Armada
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional
Nyle
1/16/2025
It looks like a good product. Unfortunately, for me to connect it to the battery and the brake controller I would need to route 2 cables to the front of the vehicle from the back(boot). The Ford Flex is a great vehicle but the undercarriage is very "sealed" I didn't find any channels to route a cable in. When researching the recommended routing path is to pop the bottom door trims off and run it along there and then out and under the back seats into the boot. It's not something that I want to get into. I'll just have to wait until someone has the idea of making a Bluetooth brake controller that works with the 4 pole or when used truck prices finally come back to earth. Thanks for the help though Bryce.