Will Trailer Brakes Function By Adding 4-Pole to 7-Way Adapter A10-7084VP

Question:

Will I need a brake controller with this??

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

A wiring adapter such as the Mighty Cord 4-pole to 7-way # A10-7084VP will let you change the trailer connector format from one to the other but by itself it does not add the functionality of a trailer brake controller. To have trailer brake power you still need a brake controller unit. The adapter has three pigtail leads, yellow, blue and black, with butt connectors. These allow you to make the additional circuit connections for 12V auxiliary power, brake controller output and reverse lights for the trailer.

There is a simple option if you care to consider a wireless brake controller, the Curt Echo # C51180. The Echo only needs a 12V power feed but no other wiring in or outside the truck is needed. You do need a compatible smartphone to serve as display and control device. To use the Echo with your existing 4-pole wiring you would just need kit # ETBC7L which includes a 7-way adapter like the Mighty Cord. You'll make one wired connection for 12V power between the battery and 7-way. The kit includes all the parts you need to have the necessary 12V feed to power the Echo.

If you prefer a lower-cost wired controller like the Voyager # 39510 you can install this with parts # C51180 and # 37185.