What Parts and Wiring are Needed to Install a 7-Way and a Brake Controller on a 2006 Dodge Caravan  

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Expert Reply:

You can use the Tow Ready T-One Harness, part # 118300. Once you have a 4-Way installed you have the basic light functions of a trailer, so you can build on that platform. I have added a link to a video of this kit being installed on a 2005 Caravan so you can see how it is done.

etrailer.com has put together a brake controller wiring kit, part # ETBC7, that provides everything you need to set your 2006 Dodge Caravan up to install a brake controller. We also have a 2 part installation video on a 2008 Caravan of the ETBC7 and a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller. The videos will walk you through step by step, but I will provide a brief run-down.

Once you have your 4-Way installed and working properly, you can start wiring your 7-Way. You will plug the 4-Way on the van into the ETBC7 harness, and like that, half of the functions are wired.

There are 4 loose wires on the 7-Way that you will need to connect to finish the install. The white wire with the eye ring terminal is the ground. Connect this to the vehicle frame. The purple wire is for reverse lights. If your trailer does not have reverse lights, you can tape this wire out of the way on the vehicle in case you need to reverse lights later.

Next you have just the blue and black wires remaining. Connect these two to the included length of jacketed 2-wire, and run them up to the engine bay. The black wire needs to go to the positive post of the battery, with a 40-amp breaker wired in-line. The blue needs to go through the fire wall into the foot box for the brake controller.

Most brake controllers have 4 wires, a red, blue, black and white. Most use the following wire code, but check with the owner manual of whatever brake controller you use. The black wire needs to go into the engine bay to the positive post of the battery. Again use the 20 or 30-amp circuit breaker, check the owner manual of the controller to see which is needed. The white wire goes to the negative post on the battery. The blue wire connects to the blue wire you ran up from ETBC7. The red wire needs to be connected to a stoplight circuit. Follow your brake pedal up till you find a switch. One of the wires will show 12V only when pedal is pressed. You may need to use a circuit tester or a multi-meter to identify this wire. Splice the red wire into this wire.

At this point your wiring is done and you would need to set up your brake controller. Feel free to write back with any more questions and I will be glad to help. Check out the videos I have linked below, they will walk you through, in a step by step fashion, installing an ETBC7 and a brake controller.

expert reply by: Patrick B

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