Installing Brake Controller On Cold Side Of Brake Switch

Question:

I have Curt part #57674 and Curt part #5110 Venturer Brake Control and Curt part # 51515 wire adapter. My plan is to use this in my 2011 GMC Terrain to hook into my Jayco RV trailer. The Jayco RV Trailer has a 7 way connector switch mounted. I have a 4 way flat switch on the GMC, but need to convert this to a 7 way connector. I understand all of the necessary hookups but the connection to the Brake Signal from the GMC is what I am unable to find. Given that the 4 way connector has a connection to the Brake signal from the vehicle, do I still need to connect that near the brake pad in the GMC? Seems redundant.

asked by: Richard K

Expert Reply:

Your Curt Venturer Trailer Brake Controller # C74VV and Universal wiring adapter for Curt controllers # C51515 are a confirmed fit for your 2011 GMC Terrain. This wiring adapter does not directly mount into the dash because this vehicle did not have a tow package available. You will need to tap into the cold side of the brake switch near your brake pedal and you will need to attach a ground as well as a power wire. The blue wire will go from your controller to another length of wire that will run to your 7-way connector. For this installation, I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7. This kit will give you the wires, connectors, and circuit breakers needed to turn your current 4-way wiring harness into a 7-way with a trailer brake controller. If you already have some of these components you can use # 5506 instead.

The reason you spice into it the brake signal at your dash instead of using the 4-way is two fold. 1) If you spice further down line you'd need to run extra wire all the way back to the controller. 2) The 4-way does have trailer brake light signal, but it also has turn signal on the same wire and that would make your controller have false braking with every blink of the turn signal.

expert reply by: Jason S