Electric Brake Controller Installation from Scratch on a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder

Question

Question:

I sold my 2001 Pontiac Aztek and purchased a new 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. I need to buy a brake controller and a 7 pin plug with associated wire adapters so I can tow my pop up camper. Thanks

asked by: Tom E

0

Expert Reply:

If your 2011 Nissan Pathfinder has a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector, all you would need is the brake controller and the wiring harness like the Tekonsha P2, # 90885 and harness #3050-P. If the vehicle does not have a trailer connector, you would need to use T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, # 118263, and then install a 4- and 7-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. I have included a link to the installation details for the 118399 harness for reference.

When installing an ETBC7, you would not need the brake controller wiring harness, # 3050-P; just the brake controller # 90885. The ETBC7 comes with everything you would need to install a 7-Way at the rear of the vehicle, and it provides the wiring for a brake controller. The only part you may need if you do not already have one is a circuit tester, # PTW2993.

I have included two FAQ articles on installing a brake controller from scratch using an ETBC7 kit and a link to a video showing a typical installation for an ETBC7.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

There are many things that can affect the voltage on the brake output wire from your brake controller to your trailer brakes such as the power setting on your brake controller, how you are testing the wire and if you are testing it with the brakes or…

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Answer 2

On wiring harness #C56226 the larger brown relay is for the 12 volt circuit on the 7-Way. Since this is the circuit that is giving you troubles this would be where I would assume the issue is. Check to make sure it's connected properly and seated…

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Answer 3

On some vehicles, the key has to be on for voltage to go back to the trailer connector. On others, it does not. An electric brake controller will always send back some minimal voltage to the trailer connector. This is how it senses if there is a…

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Answer 4

Since you already have a factory 4-way trailer connector on your 2009 Nissan Pathfinder use our #ETBC7 kit to convert it to a 7-way. It uses your existing 4-way and leaves you with a fully functioning 7-way with a 4-way as well. I've linked a…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

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Answer 7

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Answer 8

The old version of the #HBA-CAM used 4 wires, but the product was updated awhile back and now uses only two wires as shown in the photo on the product description page. The white wire from the HBA-CAM would tap into the white ground wire and the blue…

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Answer 9

To see all of the correct wheel and tire combos you'd need check out the link I attached. The option I would recommend is the part #TA43RR which is a Load Range C tire size ST175/80R13 mounted on a white spoke wheel with a bolt pattern of 5 on…

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Answer 10

I would love to help you upgrade the suspension on your Twilight 2800 travel trailer. The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers #MR87ZR that you referenced are a great solution but we do need to double check a few things. First is that…

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Answer 11

To tow your trailer that uses an RV style 7-way blade style connector with your semi that has a 7-pin connector, you need to construct an adapter that will also combine the brake signal into the right and left directional signal pins. This can be…

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Answer 12

For your enclosed trailer application I have several suggestions for adding interior lighting that you can control directly via a switch. Since your current 4-pole trailer wiring does NOT include a 12V auxiliary power feed that could power inside…

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