How To Know If Your 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Has A Factory Tow Package

Question:

Kevin, I tried calling the phone number you gave me, but was not able to connect with anyone. I just need a little clarification on your response to my question. My 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is an SEL Hybrid. The batter is in the back under a lid in the luggage compartment. The current 4-pin wiring harness is connected to the battery at this point. It is also connected to the brake lights, running lights, and turn signal switches I assume in front. I’m hoping the Curt 7-pin harness C68JR will plug directly into the existing plug where my current 4-pin harness plugs in. This is at the back driver’s side of the car. Would you know if this is the case? If needed, could I plug the Curt harness into the existing plug from the battery (replacing the existing 4-pin harness) and use a wireless Bluetooth brake controller. If I did this would hope that the wire connection for 12v battery charging to my trailer would also work.

asked by: Douglas B

Expert Reply:

I recommend tracing the wiring from the 4-pole connector back to see if it plugs into a connector or if it's hardwired to your tail lights before purchasing anything. The wire harness would get all the signals right at the tail lights if it was hardwired in, but if it has a connector that plugs into a factory connector in the vehicle then you have the tow package and can just use the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package # C68JR instead of having to splice in the # ETBC7 to get a 7-way connector.

From there if you're not wanting to run any wiring for the brake controller you can use either the in-line Curt Echo # C79DR or plug-in Curt Echo # C51180. Personally the in-line is the better choice and will give you less issues since it connects in-line with the 7-way. You can screw it into the frame or zip-tie it in place, just make sure it isn't going to move around while you're driving. Both of these systems link up to an app where you can adjust your settings until you get to a comfortable stopping power.

If you have a factory connector one of the pins should be powering the 12v accessory line for the 7-way. You can test it by putting a circuit tester # PTW2993 to the 7-way pin in the 1 o'clock position (displayed below). If you have power there and a line is ran from the 7-way on the trailer to the battery then it would charge it while connected.