Can 12v Circuit To 7-way Connector and Power Wire To Trailer Brake Controller Use The Same Breaker?

Question

Question:

Is it possible for the this controller to work with the wire setup Ive attached? I had a mechanic install this brake controller on my 2018 Subaru Outback. I had already installed the 4pin. After a couple hours of driving the controller shutoff and then every 30-45 second would flash on then back off very quickly with an audible click. When I got home 5 hour drive I unplugged the controller and my vehicle was still emitting a clicking sound. I disconnected the wire that they had connected to my battery and the clicking ceased. When I pressed the wire I removed to the battery, the battery would spark and the clicking sound would be made. After doing this, I would have to wait about a minute to see the same results when pressing the wire to the battery. Ive attached a diagram of the wiring they installed. After talking to them, they have agreed to take a look at it in a couple weeks. They believe there is a short. I mentioned the wiring did not match what I saw online but they believe their install is correct. Is it possible for the this controller to work with the following wire setup?

asked by: Matthew

0

Expert Reply:

Based on the pictures you provided they used the same circuit breaker for powering the 12v pin on the 7-way connector and the trailer brake controller that you have in your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon which is not correct.

This is not how the kit should be installed as the 12v power pin requires a 40 amp circuit breaker, while most trailer brake controllers use a 20 amp circuit breaker if the trailer you are towing has 1 or 2 braking axles (2-4 braking assemblies) or a 30 amp circuit breaker if the trailer has 3-4 braking axles (6-8 braking assemblies).

I would have the mechanic add the correct, dedicated circuit breaker that is used only power to the trailer brake controller and your issue should go away. You can find the circuit breaker requirement in the instruction manual for your controller.

If they installed the # ETBC7 kit you were looking at it includes a 40 amp, 30 amp, and 20 amp circuit breaker so there is no reason for them to have used a single breaker as could be overloading it and will likely trip the breaker pretty often.

I included a video of the # ETBC7 being installed for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

0

Customer Picture Of 7-way Connector and Trailer Brake Controller Wiring
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

The black wire on the #ETBC7 should be run to the battery. The 12V cigarette lighter is meant to be used for accessories. Running the wire to your battery ensures that you do not cause any damage to your vehicle wiring if something were to draw too…

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Answer 2

If all you need is trailer lighting circuits and a brake controller to function you do not have to connect the power (black) wire of the Brake Controller install kit part #ETBC7. It comes with the kit but is not needed for the operation of a brake…

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Answer 3

You will need to start by locating the 4-way on your suburban.From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part…

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Answer 4

The 7-way connector of the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller #ETBC7 that you referenced uses the blade style pins which are very common in RV applications. The pin style is common in the heavy duty world but is not nearly as…

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Answer 5

Though it can be a little confusing, a lot of the 7 Way plugs that piggyback off a 4 Flat do use a yellow wire instead of purple for the reverse light/auxiliary port. The 7 Way included in the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller…

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Answer 6

Your trailer's brakes should have a blue power wire running to them from the junction box on the tongue or just after the tongue on the trailer frame. There's a possibility that it could be a different color but this this wire will need to be…

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Answer 7

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 8

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 9

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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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

For your 2024 Hyunda Santa Cruz we have the Curt 7-way kit part #C68JR that is a confirmed fit. This installs by plugging into a factory wiring connector on your vehicle which means a really easy install that doesn't require any splicing.

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Answer 12

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Can 12v Circuit To 7-way Connector and Power Wire To Trailer Brake Controller Use The Same Breaker?

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