Can Plug-and-Play Brake Controller Harness be Used if 2021 Honda Pilot Has No Tow Package

Question:

Which brake controller harness for 2021 Honda Pilot Elite without factory tow package? It looks like the Redarc brake controller is sold with a model-specific connector w/ factory tow package and with flying leads without factory tow package. I assume my Pilot which does not have the factory tow package needs splicing but I was confused by the previous message from Robin H. entitled Recommended 7-Way Wiring and Trailer Brake Controller for 2019 Honda Pilot LX which states the following: The main unit installs out of sight with only the control knob visible in the cab of your vehicle. The knob controls the braking power and also acts as the manual override. This means you wont have a brake controller taking up a lot of space in the vehicle while also having more of an OEM appearance. You will also want the # RED59FR for a plug and play installation. When I look at the RED59FR it looks like it plugs into the Redarc on one side and directly into the vehicle connector on the other end. So I want to find out whether I really need to do any cutting/splicing and whether model-specific instructions exist for this or whether I already have the right connector under my dash. Thanks!

asked by: Mike B

Expert Reply:

Great question!

Your 2021 Honda Pilot does have the plug for the brake controller whether it's listed as having the tow package or not. When you install the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118286 it includes everything you need to activate the tow package on your vehicle so then you can take advantage of the Redarc setup:

- Tow-Pro Liberty # RED24FR
- Plug-and-Play Harness # RED59FR

If you didn't install this wiring kit with all of the parts needed to activate the tow package then you'd need to splice into your factory wiring for it to work.

expert reply by: Jon G