Recommended Brake Controller and 7 Way Connector for 2006 Acura RX 400h

Question:

Hi- We have an 06 Lexus 400h that has factory- installed 4-way wiring next to the tow hitch. Were planning on renting a tear trailer that requires the 7 way wiring connector. I see you have a couple of kits to adapt what we have 37185 or ETBC7. I am 90 sure the trailer were getting has brakes so we need not just the 7 way connector, but also a brake controller. What would you recommend for that controller? This will be for infrequent, light duty use... the car only hauls 3500lbs anyway. Thanks!

asked by: Michael H

Helpful Expert Reply:

Because you're only going to be towing occasionally, I recommend using the Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controllers # C51180 because it's the easiest to install. Because you don't have a factory 7 way connector on your 2006 Lexus RX 400h, you'd normally be required to hard wire in a brake controller, but the Curt Echo just plugs into a vehicle 7 way connector and then accepts your trailer plug to provide you with an install brake controller. The Curt Echo is also easy to use, since it's controlled by your smart phone (Android 4.4 and newer OR iOS 8.0 or newer OS required) and will provide the same proportional braking that is found in many of the other top options.

If you're going to go ahead and use the Echo, you can use the # ETBC7L instead of the # ETBC7 which will make it so you don't have to wire in the brake controller wire, so it's a bit easier of an installation process as well.

I've linked some helpful review and installation videos for you to have a look at- we don't have the installation of a 7 way on any Lexus SUVs, but the one attached will give you a general idea of what is required.

expert reply by: Erik B