Installing a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller on a 2008 Honda Ridgeline

Question

Question:

I have a 2008 Honda Ridgeline which has the 4 pin electric brake connector installed under the dash and a 10 pin connector at the rear. Since I will be towing only a small 2000 lb pop up tent trailer with an approx 350 lb tongue load, I do not want to install the costly Honda complete tow package $1147. I noticed all the tail light tee connector systems terminate in the 4 pole flat trailer connector where I need to terminate in the circular 7 pin round connector. Is there some way where I can supply the necessary stop, turn, and taillights from the existing tail lights and get the battery i.e. charge from a direct line from the fuse dedicated for this under the hood, and install an electric brake controller for the electric brake connection at the 7 pin circular connector? I think the electric brake wiring exists from the fwd 4 pin connector to the factory supplied 10 pin connector at the aft end. Ive been told the Honda-installed wiring installation the $1147 is for towing large vacation and 5th wheel trailers, which I plan not to do.

asked by: Ron M

0

Expert Reply:

That towing package might include other things like an alternate transmission cooler or other items including the wiring. That could explain why they say its for more heavy duty towing.

To see if the brake output function reaches from under the dash to the connector at the rear one thing you can try is to run 12-volt power on the circuit in either direction. Then test the other end with a meter or test like such as # PTW2993. If it is connected all the way back, then that is one less hardwiring connection you will need to make.

Adding a 7-Way will not be too difficult or costly on your 2008 Honda Ridgeline. The first thing you are going to want to do is install a 4-Way trailer connector, # 118400. Then you will need the 4 and 7-Way installation kit, # ETBC7. This will add the 7-Way, maintain the 4-Way, and provide the wiring and circuit breakers, as well as other accessories, to install a brake controller of your choosing.

I have included some links that explain the ETBC7 installation. Follow the steps as needed. For example, if the brake output wire does go back to that connector, then you will just need to tap into that wire at the rear connector.

For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. This is one of our most popular controllers because it is easy to set up, easy to use, and its reliable.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Answer 1

Unless the vehicle is equipped with the OEM 7-way (apparently it's not), the 12-volt circuit wouldn't be ran from the front of the vehicle. You can run the circuit yourself using a length of 10 gauge wire like part #10-1-1. You'll need to…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Good news! I can help you outfit your 2007 Honda Ridgeline with all the parts you mentioned to be ready to tow. The hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite #75280, because of its high towing capacity. It's important to note that you will be limited by…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Sounds like your 2007 Honda Ridgeline has a factory 7-way installed in it. To install a brake controller in your vehicle all you will need is the correct install harness. If you went with a Tekonsha brake controller like the P2 part #90885 all you…

view full answer...

Answer 4

I would be happy to help you. We do have a custom fit option that will not require you to mess with finding the correct color or wiring configurations on your 2013 Honda Ridgeline. It is the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Since your 2019 Honda Ridgeline has a standard 7-way you could replace it with the Curt #C55774 which has a 7-way and a 4-way.

view full answer...

Answer 6

The trailer wiring harness options we have for a 2007 Honda Ridgeline all have built-in protection to isolate itself from the vehicle in the event of a fault. That said, the best one we offer is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat…

view full answer...

Answer 7

If you have a 7-way on your 2017 Honda Ridgeline, the US Car connector in your picture will allow you to put it right in line with a factory 7-way...just plug and play. If you don't have a 7 way, I recommend the 7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 8

It sounds like the connector on the boat is an adapted 4-Way to use with a 7-Way round pin trailer connector on a vehicle. That would be why there are just 4 pins, 3 for the lighting functions and 1 for ground. If that is the case then the 7-Way…

view full answer...

Answer 9

You will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the #118400. From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller…

view full answer...

Answer 10

If you have a factory 7-way at the rear of your 2008 Honda Ridgeline but there is no voltage at any of the pins most likely you would need to check the fuse/relay panel to install/replace the towing related fuses/relays so that the 7-way would…

view full answer...

Answer 11

If your 2008 Honda Ridgeline came with a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector it is possible that #HM40975 will fit. You need to look at the wiring harness that plugs into the back of the factory 7-Way. If it looks the same as the back of…

view full answer...

Answer 12

To add a 7-way trailer connector to your 2007 Honda Ridgeline our #ETBC7 kit will do exactly what you want. It's intended for electric brake controllers but not having a controller connected won't hurt anything. And if you install the #ETBC7…

view full answer...