Recommended Brake Controller for a 2022 Honda Pilot w/out the Factory Towing Package

Question:

My 2022 Honda Pilot Sport came without a towing package. I’ve since added a hitch and a 7 pin Honda wiring package and have trailer lights. I want to add a brake controller. I don’t see the plug and play port for this under the dash and wondered if it is there or if I have to have additional wiring installed to get trailer brakes functioning. In essence, is that port there on all Pilots, or just the ones that include the towing package?

asked by: Jack D

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, you are correct. One of the features in the towing package for the 2022 Honda Pilot is a port to plug in a brake controller. Without this port you will have to hardwire your brake controller or use one like the Curt Echo item # C51180 that plugs directly into your 7-way.

If you are wanting a traditional hardwired brake controller that you can adjust manually you will want to use the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED24FR. The Liberty is a proportional brake controller that has a unique installation method. The main portion of the brake controller is installed behind your dash and the only visible portion is the control knob. This is a huge advantage over other more traditional controllers because you don't have to worry about bumping into it with your knee or mounting it at a specific angle. It has a 3-Axis accelerometer which measures deceleration in all directions for precise braking and smooth, uniform stopping action.

To complete the installation, you will also need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED69FR. This is the harness that get splices into your Pilot's wiring.

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 linked a couple diagrams to show you the dimensions of these mounts.

If you want to skip the hassle of wiring in a brake controller and still get the benefits of a proportional brake controller then I recommend the Curt Echo item # C51180. The Echo connects through your Pilot's 7-Way connector. You simply plug it in in line with your trailer's 7-way plug and then you can operate the controller through an app on your smart phone. The set up process is pretty easy and user friendly. It is controlled through Bluetooth not wireless so you don't have to worry about losing signal. In the event your phone dies the settings default to factory and do not reset. If you need the reassurance of a standard push button override we also have the Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller item # C83HR.