Adding A Break Controller And 7-Way To A 2002 Toyota Highlander

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Question:

Good morning, I have a 2002 Toyota Highlander 3.0L v6 FWD with a standard 4-wire trailer hitch plug. Towing cap: 5,000 lbs. I plan to acquire a 2-axle trailer equipped with electric brakes and a 7-wire plug. What do you recommend for my Highlander so I can ensure the trailer brakes are functional, please? Thanks

asked by: Daniel A

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Daniel!

Having the 4-flat makes it easier to get your 2002 Toyota Highlander 3.0L V6 Front Wheel Drive to tow a trailer with brakes. The parts we have to add a 7-way will piggyback off your 4-flat to make it less complicated during the install. The best option for you will depend on which style of brake controller you are wanting to go with, but I have two options listed below:

Wireless:
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional # C51180
7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires # ETBC7L

Wired In Cab:
Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller w/ Plug-In Harness - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional # TK29ER
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7

Either of these options would work well for what you are needing. The Curt Echo is a popular option, but I must admit to not being a huge fan of it. Call me old school, but I prefer to use my phone as a phone and you need to use your phone as the manual override for it, unless you also grab the Manual Override Button # C83HR. I have also heard a few complaints about the app that needs to be downloaded to get it all set up, but I haven't had any personal experience with that issue.

I prefer the Tekonsha Voyager for its reliability and ease of use. It will be a bit more work to get it installed, but I really think it's worth it. The # ETBC7 you will need for this one will require the same wire going up to the battery as the # ETBC7L The Echo will need, but there will be two wires going to the battery instead of one. The second wire is for the brake controller output. I included a diagram of the # ETBC7 that explains that better than I just did.

What kind of trailer will you be towing?

expert reply by: Lazer S

0

ETBC7 Wiring Diagram
(click to enlarge)

Lazer S.

9/12/2025

Hi Daniel, Did you decide on a brake controller for your Highlander? I'm curious to know if you went with the Tekonsha Voyager or the Curt Echo, and how it worked out for your towing setup. Your experience could really help others in a similar situation!

Daniel

11/24/2025

@LazerS I bought a used 2019 Carry-On Trailer (6x12, dual axle trailer, model: GWHS2BRK). It needs some TLC (wiring maintenance and a new battery kit - which I ordered today). regards, Daniel

Lazer S.

11/25/2025

@Daniel Good trailer! I see these on the road everywhere and we have people getting stuff for these all the time. Some TLC will get it up and running in no time! Let me know if there are any other parts you need once you get into it!

Daniel

11/22/2025

Good afternoon, Lazer, For the two-axle trailer I purchased today, I opted for the wired-in cab option. Like you, I'm old-school. Plus, with so much activity on the road these days, I prefer to use my phone as a phone. Apologies for my delayed reply. regards, Daniel

Lazer S.

11/24/2025

@Daniel Good call! I think they are the way to go, so I think you will be happy! Let me know if there is anything else I can help with! : ) What kind of trailer did you get?

Daniel A.

12/8/2025

@LazerS I purchased a 2019 6x12 dual-axle Carry-On Trailer (model 6X12GWHS2BRK). regards, Daniel

Lazer S.

12/11/2025

@DanielA Very nice! What are you going to be carrying with it?

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Adding A Break Controller And 7-Way To A 2002 Toyota Highlander

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