Parts To Tow a Camper with Brakes with a 2012 Honda Ridgeline  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey Jay!

I'm happy to help setup your Ridgeline and your popup camper and get you on the road! To start, if you don't already have a 4-flat wiring harness from the factory for your Ridgeline, the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C55585 is the perfect place start. This is a plug and play option for a quick and easy install using the factory plugs behind your taillights, so there's no splicing required on this step. This plug holds the power for your taillights, turn signals, and running lights.

Next, to add the 7-way connection that will power your camper's brakes, you need our Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This will take that 4-flat connection, and add the additional connections needed for the brake controller, 12V battery connection, and ground. This kit includes both a 7-way and 4-flat connection so that the popup camper and other trailers you may tow in the future will be able to connect without needing an adapter or to disconnect the plug from the truck. To install, you will plug into the # C55585, screw the ground into the frame of your Ridgeline, and run the hot lead and brake controller connections under the vehicle. These connections will require splicing and the butt connection requires a crimper like # PTW30764 to install it.

Finally, the brake controller will allow you to adjust the intensity of the brakes and manually apply the brakes when necessary. After some research on my end, I can confirm that there is not a plug-and-play brake controller manufactured for your 2012 Honda Ridgeline. A brake controller would require you to use a splice-in wiring harness like the one included in the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED52VR. This isn't a difficult installation, but you will need to locate each individual wire and test them for their function to properly install the controller.

The Redarc is a proportional brake controller, which means it will use the same amount of force that you apply to your vehicle to the trailer. I highly recommend that over a time-delay controller which applies the same amount of force to the camper, whether you feather-tap your brakes or slam on them. Your camper and Ridgeline will definitely appreciate you going with a proportional controller.

For the connections, I highly recommend going with a butt connection like Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector # DW05744-10. These can be sourced from a local hardware store, but they're highly recommend and will keep your connection secure and reliable.

The best thing about this Redarc brake controller is that it's a low profile button-style knob, so you can install it virtually anywhere on your dash and it will fit. Most people will install it next to the steering column, but if you want a factory look with an install in a knockout panel, you can add the Universal Mounting Panel # 331-TPSI-001.

Where are you planning on going with the popup?

expert reply by: Jerry B

0

Bill

8/7/2026

I installed the red Arc controller and harness no problem Works rather well

Jerry B.

8/7/2026

@Bill That's great to hear! What do you normally tow?

Timf

8/7/2026

got the Redarc Tow-Pro controller over a year ago. Love the control knob, as it takes so little room an there is nothing hanging below the dash for your knees to bump into! My load varies from empty to fully loaded and the adjustment on the knob works very well, no skidding the empty trailers wheels and very good stopping power when loaded! Instructions are clear and accurate plus you always have help from the eTrailer team. Tim