Finding Reverse Light Circuit for 2024 BMW X7 For Towing Trailer with Surge Brakes

Updated 06/19/2025 | Published 06/16/2025

Question:

Hey guys, Im installing the optional towing kit for the stealth hitch on my 2024 BMW X7. This car has the updated CAN tail/brake/turn lights that require tapping into the signals at locations other than the tail lights which IS laid out in the install instructions. HOWEVER I will be towing a ski boat trailer that has a surge brake so I NEED the reverse light signal... The wire diagrams I found only show the reverse light INSIDE the rear INNER tail lights but the wiring is just CAN BUS wires. CAn you possibly tell me where the catch a reverse light signal for the surge brake? Thank you, Nick.

asked by: Nick F

Expert Reply:

That normally would be tricky since CANBUS wiring carries multiple functions on a single wire but reverse lights would only have a single type of function unlike stop/turn lights so I would find the wiring of the reverse lights behind the sockets and test for voltage with a volt meter and see if it has the needed 12 volts ran to it.

Does the trailer have drum or disc brakes?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Nick F.

6/18/2025

There are no sockets. It’s a led tail light. There must be a signal wire near the module by the glove compartment like the turn signals.

Jameson C.

6/18/2025

@NickF Gotcha, what type of brakes does the trailer have? Drum or disc? If drum there might be a different route you could go.

Nick F.

6/18/2025

@JamesonC disc

Jameson C.

6/19/2025

@NickF Gotcha, yeah then there would need to a be a lockout. It's a bit of a longshot but if you have a Dexter A-60, A-84, XR84, and Aero model actuators there is a manual lockout key with the part # DX94FR.