Parts Needed for Brake Controller Installation on 2004 Honda Pilot

Question:

Hello, I am hoping for some direction. I need to add a brake controller to my 2004 honda pilot. I will be towing a boat trailer with brakes on one of the axles of a dual axle trailer. Would the following products be a good choice for this? Tekonsha PowerTrac Controller 39523 Install kit ETBC7 I do have an existing 4 prong flat connector installed on the vehicle.

asked by: Bryan G

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a pretty good handle on what you need. Since you already have a functional 4-pole trailer connector, all you'll need now is the # ETBC7 install kit and a brake controller.

Rather than the time delayed # 39523 PowerTrac controller, I'd recommend going with a proportional controller like the Brake EVN # TK63VR. A proportional controller can sense how quickly the tow vehicle is braking, and will send the correct amount of voltage to the trailer brakes so the vehicle and trailer stop at the same rate. Time delayed controllers will always send the same amount of voltage to the trailer brakes (according to how you've adjusted it) whether you've tapped on the pedal or having a full out panic stop. A proportional controller provides safer, more predictable braking. You'll also need a # 20127 pigtail harness to provide a quick disconnect in case you ever wanted to remove the brake controller.

I've linked you to the install details for the # ETBC7 kit, as well as to some other helpful FAQ articles and a video showing a brake controller being installed on a 2003 Pilot. The video shows a different brake controller being installed, but the procedure would be identical.