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Recommended Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller for a 2025 Kia Carnival  

Updated 09/12/2025 | Published 05/27/2025



Question:

I can use your help understanding the requirements for my 2025 Kia carnival. I understand the hitch but don’t understand the wiring harness required. To tow up to max capacity I need trailer brakes and to my knowledge a 7 pin harness. The only one I can find is OEM, but is only for models produced August 2024 or later, this does not apply to mine. Factory tow package language is not on the window sticker. Does this mean I need to get the 4 pin harness without factory tow to hard wire AND get the 4 pin to 7 pin adapter? I understand also needing the brake controller. Just really need help to be sure I have the correct wiring components. Thank you!

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Expert Reply:

Hey Justin, congrats on the new van. Since you do not have the factory tow package on your 2025 Kia Carnival, you are going to need to install two separate wiring harnesses if your goal is to tow a trailer with brakes. I have listed the parts you will need below:

4-Way Connector - If your Carnival has LED lights, you'll need the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item # C63RV. This custom-fit T-connector plugs into your Kia Carnival's wiring harness, which is located behind the driver's-side and passenger's-side tail lights. If your Carnival does not have LED lights you'll need the Curt item # C32MJ.

7-Way Connector - The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your Kia 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 vehicle's battery, the white wire to ground, and the yellow wire to vehicle's 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.

The Curt Hitch item # C67ER you were looking at, is confirmed to fit the 2025 Kia Carnival. It is a custom fit class III hitch with a 2" receiver.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness item # RED52VR. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer's brakes when your Kia decelerates.

The reason the Tow-Pro Liberty is the best option is because of its unique installation method where the only visible portion is the control knob that's about the size of a nickel. The main unit is hidden away inside your dash to be completely out of the way and out of sight. The included universal wiring harness is all you need to complete the install.

To round out your towing setup, I recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.

What kind of trailer do you have or are looking at getting? You can add this information and any other questions you have in the box below that says Reply to Jerred H.




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Jerred H
2025 Kia Carnival
2025 Kia Carnival
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Etrailer Expert

Jerred H.

9/12/2025

Hey Justin, did the wiring harness and brake controller setup work out for your Kia Carnival? I'm curious to know if everything fit well and if you're ready to tow your trailer. Your experience could really help others with similar setups!

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