How to Install 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2011 Nissan Murano

Question:

I’d like to install an external seven pin type plug wiring harness to match my trailer. Do you have a plug and play wiring harness option for this for my 2011 Nisson murano? If not, should I buy a four pin and splice in a 7 pin?

asked by: Dan P

Helpful Expert Reply:

There isn't a plug and play option available for a 2011 Nissan Murano, but I can certainly walk you through how to make this work.

You'll first need to install a 4 pole harness to access the vehicle's taillight wiring for the trailer. I'd recommend using part # 118653.

How you proceed from there will depend on the trailer you're pulling. If the trailer does not have brakes or if it's light enough that they aren't needed, you can just use an adapter like # 37185 to convert the 4 pole provided by the # 118653 to a 7-way. You'd ground the white wire on the adapter to the vehicle frame, and the remaining wires wouldn't be needed. Just bundle them up out of the way.

If the trailer has brakes and you want them to function, you'll need to install a brake controller. The easiest way to do this would also involve starting with the # 118653 mentioned above, then using a wireless brake controller like the Curt # C51180 Echo along with the # ETBC7L install kit. The kit includes the # 37185 adapter as well as the wire, hardware and circuit breaker needed to run a power circuit to the battery to power the trailer brakes. It's a pretty easy install as you'll see in the linked videos. The controller communicates wirelessly with your smart phone, allowing you to manage the braking action from the driver's seat without all the wiring needed for a traditional brake controller installation.

I've linked to videos that show the install of the # 118653 and explain how the Curt Echo wireless brake controller and the install kit work.