Installing 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller in 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe with 4-Pole Connector

Question

Question:

Hello, I have a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe the long wheelbase 7 seater with the factory towing package and 4 pin wire harness. I am looking to tow a trailer with electric brakes and will need to upgrade to a 7 pin harness. What are my options for doing so? I am concerned that the larger 7 pin connector will not fit in mount for the factory 4 pin connector and am concerned about a vulnerable connector box hanging below the hitch and bumper. Are there options other than the 7 pin connector such as a wireless controller with another type of power connection for the brakes? I would likely have a professional perform the installation. Thanks.

asked by: John B

0

Expert Reply:

Adapting your 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe that has a 4-pole flat connector for towing a trailer with electric brakes is a straightforward process. Many of our customers tackle this task themselves by using our articles and videos for guidance but professional installation of course is an option.

First you will need a brake controller. The Curt Echo # C51180 that you referenced is one option. We do recommend a proportional-type unit like this or the popular Prodigy P2 # 90885 as they will help prevent excessive wear of your vehicle's brakes, are reliable and easy to use and highly rated by our customers. You might refer to the linked article for more details. The wireless option makes sense if you will tow the trailer with more than one vehicle.

You will need to install a 7-way on the Santa Fe even if you choose a wireless trailer brake controller like the Curt Echo.

In addition to the controller of your choice you will also need a trailer brake controller installation kit, part # ETBC7. This kit includes a new 7-way trailer socket, mounting bracket, wiring, connectors and circuit breakers - everything needed for installing a trailer brake controller. I have linked both an article concerning its installation and a video showing an application in a 2014 Santa Fe. The overall process will be identical in your 2013 even if there are minor variances between vehicles.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

In order to determine which trailer wiring harness you'll need, look under the vehicle just to the rear of the rear wheel on the driver's side of the vehicle. If you see the two connectors shown in the provided photo, use the Curt…

view full answer...

Answer 2

For your adapter from the 4-way to a 7-way, I recommend the Hopkins Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole #37185. This will give you the option of adding the 12V power, the brake controller output, and the reverse lights. Even if you don't…

view full answer...

Answer 3

A tow package for your 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe could be a frame mounted trailer hitch and trailer wiring harness. If you have either or both of those two things you could pretty easily assume you have the tow package. Another option you have is to…

view full answer...

Answer 4

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…

view full answer...

Answer 5

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…

view full answer...

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…

view full answer...

Answer 7

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Sure thing, I will go ahead and list out what you need for your 2023 Kia Sportage to add a 7-way for a brake controller so you can tow with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94WR: - T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

view full answer...

Answer 10

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

view full answer...

Installing 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller in 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe with 4-Pole Connector

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching