Easy to Install Brake Controller Recommendation for 2017 Toyota Highlander with 4-Way
Question:
I purchased a 3000 lb dry weight trailer and need to install a brake controller on a 2017 highlander. Highlandsers are pre-wired for a brake controller and I am looking for the simplest and effective set up. Could you share your recommendation? Can I install a 4 pin to 7 pin converter and use an RF brake controller? Does the 4 to 7 converter need to be wired to the vehicle brake system in some way? If you cant tell I am a novice in need of some advice and the Toyota dealership wasnt helpful. RV dealer suggested a Prodigy 90250 controller mounted to the trailer with a 7 pin plug. One of my concerns is space on the trailer to install once I also purchased a weight distribution/sway hitch. picture of trailer attached. thanks,
asked by: JUSTIN P
Expert Reply:
I have a perfect brake controller solution for what you are wanting that is super easy to install and also performs really well. For that I highly recommend the Curt Echo Mobile part # C51180 as this basically just plugs into an active 7-way which I have an easy solution for your 2017 Toyota Highlander and once synced to your smart phone is ready to be used. It offers proportional braking which means it senses how hard you are applying the brakes of your Highlander and applies the trailer brakes with an equal amount of intensity. The Prodigy RF you mentioned was a pretty solid option but not only is it no longer available it wasn't quite as easy as the Echo.
Now to convert the 4-way you have now to a 7-way basically just requires the # ETBC7L and running one wire from the 12 volt pin of the 7-way to the positive pin of the battery. Once that's done you'd be totally set. I attached an install video for this kit as well as an install video of the Echo on a similar 2019 Highlander for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole Vehicle End Trailer Connector
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Single-Function Adapter
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tow Ready
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: 2022 Toyota Highlander Wiring for a 7-Way Blade Connector
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brake Controller 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit Review
- Shop: 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: etbc7l
- Search Results: wireless control
- Q&A: Converting 4-Way Trailer Connector to 7-Way on 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Video: Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2023 Toyota Highlander
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Installation - 2019 Toyota Highlander
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brake Controller Universal Kit Installation - 2019 Toyota Highlander
- Shop: Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Shop: Curt Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV - 10 Gauge
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: How to Connect Trailer 7-Way to 2017 Toyota Highlander with Factory 4-Way
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Wiring For 2017 Toyota Highlander To Tow Camper With 7-Way Connector
- Q&A: Converting a 4-Way Trailer Connector to a 7-Way on a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Q&A: Plug and Play 7-Way Trailer Connector for 2018 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Wiring for Toyota 2010 Highlander with a 7-Way connector for Towing
- Search Results: bike rack for rv
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: brake controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer brake controller