Brake Controller and 7-Way Recommendation for 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

Question:

We have the factory installed 2017 Santa Fe XL Limited tow package. I know very little about trailer hitches, but have heard that the Sante Fe XL comes with wiring for a four pole connector but I heard that in order to tow a trailer with trailer brakes, you need 7 pole connector. Is this true? Are most trailers 7 pole? What parts would I need to convert it to a 7 pole and does this need to be done professionally?

asked by: Jennifer

Helpful Expert Reply:

To control a trailer's brakes you will have to have a 7-way installed on the tow vehicle. The 4-way connectors allow control of the tailights of the trailer but they do not have enough circuits to carry the brake signal as well.

So you'd need to install the brake controller install kit part # ETBC7 on your 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe that has a 4-way as it comes with everything needed to convert to a 7-way and then also install the controller.

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.

If you are familiar with wiring you'd have no problem installing this kit. I attached an install video for it on a similar 2014 Santa Fe as yours for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C