Trailer Wiring Recommendation for Brake Controller Wiring with 5-Way on 2014 BMW X3

Question:

I have a 2014 BMW X3. I am going to purchase a hitch from you. I have electronic brakes with a round 5 conductor power hookup. Will the 4 poll hook up work? I want to purchase the non splice unit you have. Does it handle electronic brakes? If not what do I need? thanks,

asked by: CLIFF W

Expert Reply:

The non-splice trailer wiring kit part # 119250KIT that you referenced is a confirmed fit for your 2014 BMW X3 and will not require any hardwiring since it uses sensors to tap into your vehicle's wiring. This connector does not carry the brake controller circuit for activating trailer brakes though so you'd have to look into converting this to a matching connector like what your trailer has. For that we have a 5-way round socket like part # PK11502 which matches what you mentioned having on your trailer.

Next, for a wiring kit to install the brake controller to the 5-way you would want the Wiring Kit for 2 and 4 Brake Electric Brake Controllers # 5506. This will provide the power source and ground for the wiring for the brake controller. You will need to test the wires from the brake pedal switch of your vehicle to find a circuit that has voltage when the brakes are applied and none when not applied. This will be the circuit you will run the red wire to.

Finally you will need to run a length of 10 gauge wire (part # 10-1-1) from the brake output circuit of the controller to the brake output circuit of the 7-way (blue wire). The # 10-1-1 is sold by the foot so you will need to order a quantity of the amount of feet you will need.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. This will be the last brake controller you buy. It can easily be transferred to future vehicles as well.