How Do I Keep Water out of My 7-Way Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7?

Question:

I installed the ETBC7 wiring and trailer plug kit on my 2010 Toyota Highlander several months ago. Every time I drive on wet roads, the 7-way plug takes on a significant amount of water. After just a few miles, it has enough water in it to inundate the brake power connection and the ground connection, which causes the power light on my brake controller to come on. When I open the plug cover, a substantial amount of water pours out. Im afraid something is going to short out and cause damage. I tried using liquid electrical tape to seal around where the wiring harness enters the plug, and also the seam that runs all the way around the plug, but this had no effect - the plug still takes on just as much water as before. How do I keep the water out?

asked by: Kent K

Expert Reply:

If you are using the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat # ETBC7 on your 2010 Toyota Highlander, another strategy (in addition to the electrical tape) is to place your plug at a different location closer to the center of the bumper. The reason why I suggest this is because in its current location, the plug could be receiving extra water kick pack from the tires. Sometimes just adjusting the plug to a different place can move it out of the way of the water's trajectory. I went ahead and included a video that shows the recommended installation location (starts at time stamp 2:45).

If that solution doesn't work, another solution would be to remove the loom around the wires. Sometimes the loom collects water and routes it to the back of the plug. However, it is important to be careful as to not cut the wires themselves.

expert reply by: Bob C