Recommended Trailer Brake Controller and Wiring for 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

Question:

I bought an awesome trailer hitch through etrailer. INstalled it with your directions, piece of cake! I also bought the electrical wiring for the lights, etc. I have not installed this yet. I now see that I need a Brake controller. How does all of that fit together? Thanks

asked by: Lisa H

Expert Reply:

If you plan on towing a trailer that is equipped with electric brakes, you will indeed need to install a brake controller in your 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe.

It sounds like you are getting ready to install a 4-Way connector with a custom-fit harness like the Curt T-Connector # C56332, which is designed for the Se, Limited and Sport model of your Santa Fe that has the factory tow package. It's possible that you have a different harness depending on your exact model vehicle.

Once you have installed the 4-Way harness, you will also need the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This Kit includes everything needed to install a fully functional 7-Way connector from the above 4-Way, which is needed to supply power to the trailer brakes. I have attached an article that explains in detail the installation steps for this kit that you might find helpful.

Then for the brake controller itself, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885. This is a great proportional controller that will activate the trailer's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your Santa Fe. It features an easy-to-read digital display and continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this brake controller that you can also check out.