Does 2020 Honda Ridgeline Have a Plug-and-Play Brake Controller Harness?

Updated 07/21/2026 | Published 06/27/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(3106)

$217.00

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional

(3116)

$217.00

Question:

I’ve seen threads and videos saying that my 2020 Honda Ridgeline has a connecting plug for trailer brakes beneath the dash. I can’t find it. The truck is equipped with a 7 pin socket and a receiver. Were some trucks made without such a plug ?

asked by: Charlie D

Expert Reply:

Hey Charlie,

It's possible that your 2020 Ridgeline doesn't have the plug-and-play brake controller connection, but it depends on how your truck came from the factory.

If your 2020 Honda Ridgeline has the factory tow package, then you will have the connector under the dash, but sometimes they can be well hidden and even wrapped in foam or plastic. From there, you can directly connect the wiring harness included in Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional # RED74CR to that connector.

If your 2020 Honda Ridgeline does not have the factory tow package and the 7-way connection was added later, then your vehicle does not have the plug-and-play connection under the dash and you'd use a universal harness like Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional # RED52VR to splice into your 7-way connector. That will give you a direct connection and will allow your brake controller to work with your trailer brakes.

What kind of trailer are you towing with the Ridgeline?

expert reply by: Jerry B

Jeff G.

7/2/2026

I have a 2021 Ridgeline and it has the connector. You need to get on the driver side floor and look under the dash. Upper left hand corner you should be able to see the plug. I ended up taking part of the dash off to make the installation easier…it’s not too bad to take off and put back on.

Jerry B.

7/2/2026

@JeffG I'm glad to hear you were able to install the brake controller. Have you had a chance to test it on the road yet?

Henry F.

7/2/2026

I have a 25 RTL and yes there is connector above the parking brake pedal

Jerry B.

7/2/2026

@HenryF Thanks for your feedback! That will be helpful for others looking for more info in the future!

Greg L.

7/2/2026

I have a 2020 RTL-E and it has the plug just as Jeff G describes. The truck came with the factory tow package and included a universal wire loom with the correct plug in the glove box. I decided not to use it and I purchased the kit for my Ridgeline, Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional- ITEM # RED74CR It included the Redarc to Honda adapter (TPH-013) to make it easier to install. I mounted the control unit to the inside of the left hand kick panel and the control button through the hole that had the ECON button. I used the Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob Part Number: 331-TPSI-001. Since I never used the ECON button, I just wrapped it in some bubble wrap and left it behind the das panel. I haven't pulled a trailer yet, so no input on how it works.

Jerry B.

7/6/2026

@GregL Thanks for confirming that you did have that plug, that's good feedback for future neighbors looking for confirmation! The Redarc brake controllers are honestly my favorites, so I don't think you'll be disappointed at all! Do you plan on going on any trips soon?

Tim S.

7/19/2026

My 2025 Ridgeline also has a connector under the dash. It was in the same spot as Jeff G. is describing. I didn't take the dash off and it was tight but definitely a doable install for a not so handy guy. Good Luck!

Jerry B.

7/20/2026

@TimS Thanks for your real world feedback! That's super helpful. How's the brake controller working for your setup? What kinds of trailers do you normally tow?

Tims

7/20/2026

@JerryB it is a small hybred camper. Weighs about 2800 pounds. The controller works great. Could use more info on adjusting the amount of stopping force needed. It can really put the brakes on a trailer!

Jerry B.

7/21/2026

@Tims The brake controller is proportional, so it applies the same amount of force from the tow vehicle to the trailer. If your trailer is braking extra hard, you can turn the knob on the controller counterclockwise to reduce the braking force.