Brake Controller Installation on 2012 Volvo XC70

Question:

looking for the factory pig tail for the brake controler on a 2012 volvo xc70

asked by: Ryan B

Expert Reply:

In my research, I wasn't able to find any reference to the Volvo XC70 as being equipped with the connector under the dash for installing a brake controller. This means that the vehicle wasn't available from the factory with a 7-way trailer connector, or it was a fairly rare option.

You will be able to install a brake controller, using our brake controller install kit, part # ETBC7. The kit includes an adapter to convert an existing 4-pole to a 7-way trailer connector. If you don't already have the 4-pole, you'd need to install one using part # C59496. However, the brake controller will need to be tied into the brake stoplight switch wiring of your Volvo, which could be computer controlled. The sophisticated wiring systems of some European vehicles can make installing a controller problematic.

Your best bet would be to use the Curt Echo brake controller, part # C51180. You'd install the 4-pole mentioned above, and use the # ETBC7 to provide a 7-way at the rear of the vehicle, which would provide the 12-volt power circuit from the battery using the 40 amp breaker included with the kit. You won't need to run a brake output circuit. The nice thing about the Echo is that it will use your iOS or Android based smart phone as the controller, so there is no difficult to install or unsightly box hanging from the underside of your dashboard.

expert reply by: Mike L