Parts Needed to Install Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz G550
Question:
The car already has the 7 plug trail plug installed will I have to tap in it
asked by: Blair S
Expert Reply:
To install the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR on your 2015 Mercedes-Benz G550 you're going to need to a 4-Way wiring kit like the Tekonsha ZCI # 119250KIT as well as our Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7.
The ZCI uses special clamps that sense when the different trailer light functions need to be activated and then it pulls power straight from the vehicle battery to power the trailer lights. This keeps you from cutting your OEM wiring or overloading your vehicle light circuits.
The ETBC7 kit gives you all of the extra wiring and connections you need for a fully-functional 7-Way so you can utilize the brakes on your trailer.
The hardest part of the install will be making your connections for the brake controller. You'll use some wire from the ETBC7 kit for the power, ground, and brake controller connections but you'll need to find and splice into the cold side of the stop light circuit on your vehicle. This means you have to use a circuit tester and find the wire that only gets hot when the brake pedal is pressed. This tells the Tow-Pro Elite when to send power back to your trailer brakes.
If you'd rather avoid splicing into your OEM wiring or you can't determine which wire needs to be spliced into we also have the Universal Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751000 which gives you that function by installing on your brake pedal system and sensing when the brake pedal is pressed.
We don't have installation videos of any of these parts on a 2015 G550 but I've attached review videos for each part for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 3 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty vs Tow-Pro Elite
- Q&A: What is Difference Between Redarc Tow Pro Liberty and Elite
- Article: 2005-Current Volkswagen Touareg, Audi, or Porsche Cayenne
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller to Redarc Tow-Pro Elite
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Redarc Tow Pro Elite V2 and v3
- Q&A: Potential Brake Controller Harness Location on a 2023 Nissan Frontier
- Q&A: Which Blue Ox Weight Weight Distribution System for Lance 1475 Trailer
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
Blair S.
5/26/2022
The car already has the 7 plug trail plug installed will I have to tap in it