Recommended Brake Controller and Trailer Wiring For 2013 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I will be using a Draw Tite 75270 hitch on a 2013 Honda Odyssey to tow a Roadmaster trailer equipped with electric brakes. Which type of brake controller would work best time delay or progressive? I currently do not have any towing wiring harness in my vehicle, so what wiring products would work to easily wire into my vehicle and run the trailer lights/brakes? Thank you for your time.

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

You've made a good choice, hitch-wise. I would recommend going with a proportional brake controller, over a time-delayed model. A proportional controller has an internal accelerometer that can determine how quickly the tow vehicle is braking, and will send the proper amount of voltage to the trailer bakes so that the tow vehicle and trailer brake at the same rate for safer, more predictable braking. A time delayed controller will always send the same amount of pre-set voltage to the brakes. You can adjust how quickly the power is delivered, but the amount of power will always be the same, whether you're gently tapping the pedal in order to back off a tailgater or doing a double-footed panic stop be a good choice of brake controller. You will also need a # 118521 trailer wiring harness and a Brake Controller Install Kit, part # ETBC7.

The kit includes everything needed for your installation, including all wire, hardware, circuit breakers and the adapter that will convert the 4-pole trailer connector to a 7-way.

I'll link you to some install videos showing the hitch, trailer wiring harness and brake controller being installed on a fourth generation Odyssey like yours, as well as some helpful articles.

expert reply by: Mike L