Converting a Vintage 5-Way Round Trailer to Work with the Redarc Liberty Brake Controller  

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Hi Daniel! I have to say, a 1960s Canned Ham is just about the coolest trailer name out there. Those little campers have so much personality.

There isn't an adapter that will let the Redarc Liberty work with the older 5-way round connector. The best path forward is to replace the trailer's plug with a 7-way connector like the etrailer Junction Box 7-Way, part # e99011. It comes with a junction box, which makes the wiring a lot cleaner and takes some of the headache out of the installation. The Redarc Liberty, part # RED52VR, also needs a dedicated 12-volt power wire from your Mazda's battery, and that's something the old 5-way round connector wasn't designed to provide.

On your 2020 Mazda CX-5, you'll also want to add a 7-way connector using the part # ETBC7 installation kit. If your Mazda doesn't already have a 4-way trailer connector, you'll need the Curt T-Connector, part # C56377, before installing the ETBC7. I know that's probably not the answer you were hoping for, and it's definitely a little more wiring than anyone gets excited about, but once it's done you'll have a much more reliable setup that lets you take full advantage of the Redarc brake controller. It's one of those upgrades that's a bit of work up front but pays off every time you hook up the trailer. If you are not a DIYer, give me your zip code and I can find an installer in your area.

I'd love to know more about your Canned Ham. Are you keeping it mostly original, or are you giving it a full modern makeover?

expert reply by: Heather A

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