Brake Controller Needed to Tow a 2018 Jayco Sport 10SD Popup Camper

Question

Question:

The tow vehicle is a 2012 Toyota Sienna XLE. Uhaul installed a 7 pin connector on the tow vehicle. I want it to be cost effective, but don’t want to spend over $150 and don’t really want to use my phone to see what the controller is doing. Willing to spend more than $60 if I get some value. The reviews on the CurtEcho looked good, but I want something that works. I will tow 2 trailers. Either; JAYCO Sport 10SD. Approx 1800lb unloaded/ 2400 lb loaded A fishing boat. Approx 1800 lb. don’t know if that has electric brakes

asked by: Mark S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would be happy to recommend a brake controller so you can safely get to your camping destination with your 2018 Jayco Sport 10SD. I do have a few questions first though to make sure that we get you exactly what you're looking for.

If you can get me the year/make/model of your tow vehicle and whether it has a factory trailer connector or not that would be huge so I can make sure I include all of the parts you would need. Also, is this the only trailer that you tow, and are you wanting something more on the cost-effective side (basically just to say that you have a brake controller) or are you looking for something that is a little more tailored towards towing frequently?

Attached is a link to our selection of brake controllers. One of the up and coming brake controllers is the Curt Echo # C51180 because it just plugs into a fully-functioning 7-Way and doesn't require any modification or splicing inside your tow vehicle cab. It's also convenient to use as it connects to an Apple or Android smart device via Bluetooth, which is then used to adjust the various settings.

The Echo is on the higher end of the spectrum so if you're looking more for basics then the Brake EVN # TK63VR would be more of what you need. It has a very basic control and display setup that gives you the essentials to get where you need to go. This option installs in the cab of your tow vehicle though so it would require more parts and possibly splicing some wires.

Let me know what you have and what you're looking for and I can make a strong recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

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Mark S.

1/29/2020

The tow vehicle is a 2012 Toyota Sienna XLE. Uhaul installed a 7 pin connector on the tow vehicle. I want it to be cost effective, but don’t want to spend over $150 and don’t really want to use my phone to see what the controller is doing. Willing to spend more than $60 if I get some value. The reviews on the CurtEcho looked good, but I want something that works. I will tow 2 trailers. Either; JAYCO Sport 10SD. Approx 1800lb unloaded/ 2400 lb loaded A fishing boat. Approx 1800 lb. don’t know if that has electric brakes

Reply

Jon G.

1/29/2020

Awesome, thank you for all of the details! In that case I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This brake controller has been a best seller for quite awhile as you can see from the multitude of positive reviews. It features an LCD screen which is easy to read for navigating the menus and it has 5 storable settings so when you switch trailers you don't have to reconfigure everything each time. Since your 7-Way is aftermarket you'll likely need to hardwire this brake controller in. Hopefully when your 7-Way was installed they used a kit like the # ETBC7 which has all of the connections and wiring that you need for the 7-Way to be fully functional. If you use a circuit tester # PTW2979 and check the pin in the 5 o'clock position it should have constant 12V power. If it doesn't then you need the Wiring Kit # 5506 which has all of the wire and connections that you need for the 12V power and brake controller connections. I am attaching a link to the installation instructions for the ETBC7 which also includes a wiring diagram in the event that you need to route some extra wiring. Once you know that all of the wiring is in place you need to use the pigtail that comes with the P3 and make the following connections under your driver's side dash: Blue - 7-Way Output to Trailer Black - 12V Power White - Ground Red - COLD Side of Stop Light Switch (only gets hot when brake pedal is pressed) Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help you finish everything up!

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Answer 1

I'd give the Tekonsha item #90195 the edge for ease of use. The full LCD display provides the status of your braking system at a glance, while the item #RED44FR Redarc Tow Pro Elite uses colored LED's to indicate problems. The display of the…

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Answer 2

There are two different 7-way trailer wiring harnesses for a 2019 Subaru Ascent dependent on whether or not you have the factory tow package. If you do have the factory tow package then you should be using the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring…

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Answer 3

The 2021 Subaru Ascent that came from the factory with their tow package actually has a port under the dash where you can plug the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite #RED44FR directly into with an adapter. The Tekonsha Pigtail #3062-P would plug directly into…

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Answer 4

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 5

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 6

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 give…

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Answer 7

Hey Jeremy, Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt…

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Answer 8

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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Answer 9

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 10

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 11

Sure thing, I will go ahead and list out what you need for your 2023 Kia Sportage to add a 7-way for a brake controller so you can tow with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94WR: - T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector…

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Answer 12

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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Brake Controller Needed to Tow a 2018 Jayco Sport 10SD Popup Camper

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