Parts Needed to Tow Aliner Trailer with 7 Way Connector on 2012 BMW X3

Question

Question:

Hi, I am completely new in the towing world, I have a x3 with the hitch received installed, but not any kind of wiring zero I do not see any harness in the compartments on the sides of the trunk, so I think I need a full installation, I want to tow a Aliner camper with a 7 way connector, the Aliner have electronic breaks. So I been reading a looooot in your website and cant figure it out what do I need, for what I learn from your videos I know I need something like a brake controller for 1 axle trailer, and another device to power the lights in the trailer plus the harness for the brakes, aaand a tow ball, is there any kit can you recommend me? or even if is not a kit, just the parts that I need? thank you! My car is a BMW X3, 2012 xDrive 28i with a 3.0 L 6-cylinder engine.

asked by: Omar M

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Expert Reply:

We've got all of the parts you're going to need, so don't worry!

To start, you'll need to install a 4 way connector, since it provides the base of what you'll need for the 7 way which is used on your Aliner travel trailer. For that, I recommend the Tekonsha ZCI kit # 119250KIT because not only does Tekonsha have the most reliable powered adapters, but the ZCI system requires no cutting/splicing into the vehicle wiring and simply clamps onto the wires you need a signal from. Once you've installed that, you'll want to use the # ETBC7 (for wired brake controllers) or # ETBC7L (for wireless brake controllers) to add the 7 way.

Because your 2012 BMW X3 won't have the brake controller wiring present in the cab of the vehicle, I do recommend going with a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo Mobile # C51180 which is controlled by your smartphone (iOS 8.0 or newer/Android 4.4 or newer required). This controller simply plugs into the # ETBC7L and will send the signals to activate your brakes in proportion to the braking in your tow vehicle.

You'll also need a ball mount, hitch ball, clip and hitch pin to complete your towing package; for that I recommend using the etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs # EBMK2216 since it comes with multiple hitch balls (2" and 2-5/16") to allow you to tow trailers with different sized couplers, as well as a hitch pin, clip and carrying/storage bag. If you've got a smaller trailer and only need a 2" hitch ball, the # 989900 is a similar kit that comes with 2 ball mounts to help you achieve different rise/drop setups you may need with that trailer. I've linked a helpful article on measuring for the correct rise/drop that I recommend checking out before choosing the ball mount that will work best for you.

I've also gone ahead and linked some review and installation instructional videos that will help you install most of these parts.

expert reply by: Erik B

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Answer 1

Yes, both the Curt Hitch #C13409 and Wiring #C56040 will fit great on your 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness model. I also recommend picking up the Mounting Brackets #C42CR and #C57202 so your wiring connector is readily available next to your hitch…

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Answer 2

The Draw-Tite Class III hitch, part #76170 installs using 6 M12 1.25 x 35 bolts, so you'd need an M12x1.25 tap. Before trying to chase the threads, you'll likely have success just giving the threads a good scrub with a spray lubricant…

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Answer 3

According to Redarc, when installing the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller part #RED24FR on a 2020 Subaru Outback with AEB you'll want to splice into the stop light circuit at the rear of the vehicle through the tail light harness. If…

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Answer 4

For your 2022 Subaru Forester you will first need a T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118467 to tie into the tail lights on your vehicle to provide the lighting for the 7-way. This will plug into the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake…

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Answer 5

If you already have the factory tow package for your 2022 BMW X5 with a fully functional 7-way RV connector at the back of our vehicle, this means an active 12-v feed to the pin in the 1:00 position; I suggest you go with the Curt Echo Wireless…

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Answer 6

Since you have a 7-Way you will only need a few more components to complete a brake controller install on your vehicle. For a wiring kit to install the brake controller and the 7-way adapter you would want the Wiring Kit for 2 and 4 Brake Electric…

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Answer 7

To find the correct brake light switch wire on your 2017 Mazda CX-5 you will need to use a circuit tester such as #PTW2993 and find the wire that only shows power when the brake pedal is depressed; that will be the correct wire to hook up. To…

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Answer 8

Thanks for the pictures! I have exactly what you are looking for. We have a couple of mounting options for the control knob that can go inside inserts in your Subaru's dash. This will give you a clean factory look install. The Universal…

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Answer 9

First you will need the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118467 to plug into your factory connector on your 2021 Subaru Outback. This will take care of the trailer tail lights and plug into the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller…

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Answer 10

The best hitch with the easiest install for your 2022 Subaru Forester is going to be the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13409. This hitch is custom fit and bolts directly to your Subaru with included hardware. You are going to need a couple wiring…

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Answer 11

If your trailer has a 2 inch coupler then you definitely need to go with a 2 inch ball. Even though 1/8 inches doesn't sound like very much, it is enough that your trailer could come uncoupled under the right conditions. I have attached a…

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Answer 12

According to my research, the Aliner Ranger Trailers did come standard with 10" electric brakes so you will need to install a 7-way trailer connector and a brake controller on your 2007 Toyota RAV4 in order to tow it. For this, you will need…

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Parts Needed to Tow Aliner Trailer with 7 Way Connector on 2012 BMW X3

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