Wiring Harness and Brake Controller Set Up for a 2009 BMW X5

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Question:

Hi, I have a 2009 BMW X5 35D and would like to install trailer brake lights and brake controller so that I can rent a RV for camping. Please suggest me good product that is not too expensive and that works all the time without any issues. Thanks.

asked by: Amit S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

To control your trailer's brakes and lights you will need a 7-way connector on your 2009 BMW X5. To do this you will need two separate wiring harnesses. The first is the Tekonsha ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit # 119250KIT. This kit will work on vehicles and trailers with either LED, incandescent, or standard bulb tail lights. It will provide you with a 4-flat vehicle connector. This connector by itself will only control the trailer's lights.

The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it. I have linked a couple installation videos below so you can see the process.

For your brake controller I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED24FR. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action. This brake controller has a unique installation method where you can mount the control knob on your dash or console and hide the main unit out of sight. You will need the Universal Wiring Harness item # RED69FR to complete your installation.

We have a couple of other mounting options for the control knob that can go inside inserts in your dash. This will give you a clean factory look install. The Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob item # 331-TPSI-001 which measures 1-1/4 by 1 inch. There is also the option of using the Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob item # 331-TPSI-002 for the more standard knock-out measuring 1-1/4 by 7/8 inch. I have attached a couple of pictures below that show the dimensions of these mounts.

expert reply by: Jerred H

1

Red Arc Control Knob Mount
(click to enlarge)

Control knob mount
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

There are three trailer hitches available for your 2011 BMW X5. The only installation differences that you will run into will be with the Curt hitch. Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch are sister companies and their hitches are identical. We have not had…

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Answer 2

You'll need our RHK replacement hardware kit. Use the provided link and go to the product description page, type in '13077' in the provided field and choose 'Curt' from the nearby drop down menu. This will get you the necessary…

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Answer 3

A brake controller will only be necessary if the trailer you will be towing has brakes. The easiest way to tell whether or not the trailer has brakes would be to look at the trailer side connector. If the trailer side connector has 7 pins then it…

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Answer 4

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 5

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 6

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 7

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 8

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 9

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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Answer 10

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 12

Yes, when installing the knob for the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR you will want to remove any extra material behind the insert. I am happy the video was able to help you out. I have linked a couple of pictures from the video…

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Wiring Harness and Brake Controller Set Up for a 2009 BMW X5

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