Recommended Brake Controller and Wiring for 2018 Mazda CX-5 for Towing a Trailer with Brakes

Question

Question:

Hi. I am new to towing and the wiring involved. What stuff, besides the hitch, do I need to tow a trailer that requires a round 7 pin connector on a 2018 Mazda CX-5. From what I’ve seen on your website it looks like I need to install the 4 pin wiring, then an adapter for the 7 pin, and then also a brake controller? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

asked by: Victor I

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Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Mazda CX-5, you will need the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118746 which will connect to your factory wiring inside your rear cargo area. This will require running a wire to the battery for the power supply. Then you will connect the 4-way trailer connection to the Universal Brake Controller Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This kit will have all of the circuit breakers, wiring, and connectors needed to give you a fully functional 7-way when you add a brake controller. I've attached a video and an article to assist.

For your brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This brake controller is a proportional controller that is a customer favorite due to it's reliability and ease of use. It has an LCD screen that offers easy diagnostics and also has preset options for brake boost. It will apply the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as you hit the brake pedal in your CX-5.

This combination of parts will allow you to safely tow your trailer with your 2018 Mazda CX-5.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Answer 1

We have a way you can install a 7-way on your 2015 Mazda CX-5 but not all vehicles have custom fit 7-ways made for them so you'd have to start with the more common 4-way like the part #C56011 which is custom fit for your vehicle. From there…

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Answer 2

That is correct. Since the Curt Echo Mobile brake controller part #C51180 will only need the 12V power you do not need to follow the steps to install the blue brake output wire for the #ETBC7.

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Answer 3

We have quite a selection of mounting brackets. My favorite that will fit your Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13315 is the Mounting Bracket for 7-Way #18138. The hose clamp is used to secure this bracket to the trailer hitch. I have attached a link…

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Answer 4

To get both of the 2021 Subaru Outbacks pulling the Safari Condo F1743, you would need to purchase two of the #ETBC7 kits. They would piggy back off of the existing 4 pin connections already on the vehicles, so you are already partially there. I…

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Answer 5

For your 2017 Mazda CX-5 we have two trailer wiring harnesses available. The Curt part #C56377 and the Tekonsha part #118746 which you mentioned. In general the Tekonsha kits are more reliable and less likely to short out. Partially due to the fact…

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Answer 6

We have a great kit for what you are looking for with the part #ETBC7L. This adapts your 4-way to a 7-way and 4-way combo and comes with the needed power wire and breaker to install and use the Curt Echo Mobile brake controller part #C51180 so it…

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Answer 7

Curt offers a solution that would provide additional shock absorption to help isolate the tow vehicle from the shock the trailer experiences on bumpy roads, while still allowing you to use your existing #C45250 ball mount. The Curt #C40047…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

Yes, there is only one type of 7-way blade connector. I am attaching a help article about wiring that may be of interest to you.

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Answer 10

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 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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