Electric Wires for Break Question

Lynnmor wrote:
You need to install a brake controller and a 7 way trailer connector. Here is an example showing a kit available, but your needs may differ.

In addition to a wire kit you will also need a brake controller.

I recommend the P3:
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90195.html

I agree with GDE except for using U-Haul. Trailer store/shop as suggested.

Your trailer needs to be within the vehicle’s max tow weight and max payload. Is it?

to keep from making a mess go to a trailer store let them wire things up.

Trailer has standard 7 "pin" connector.

Your vehicle has standard 4 pin connector.

The trailer most likely has electric brakes.

Your vehicle is not setup or equipped for electric brakes (IE no electric brake controller, no electric brake wire installed, no 7 pin connector installed.

To remedy this, you will need to buy and install a aftermarket electric brake controller ($100+, wire to connect controller to a new 7 pin connector on your vehicle, a 7 pin connector for your vehicle.

You can also have a place like UHAUL install for you at an upcharge.

You didn't show what kind of hitch you have on your vehicle, depending on weight of trailer, it may require an upgraded hitch.

Now is a good time to review just how much your vehicle is able to tow BEFORE committing to that trailer!

Newer vehicles have a yellow tag located on the drivers door which will give you available cargo of your vehicle.

Older vehicles will not have this and you will need to determine the empty weight and the max weight of vehicle (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Subtract empty weight from the GVWR and that is the cargo your vehicle can handle. You will need to subtract full tank of gas and you the driver..

Take that cargo weight and divide by .15 (15%) and result is the absolute max you can tow for your vehicle.

Example, say you have 1,000 lbs of cargo available, divide that by .15 and the magic number is 6666 lbs.

The .15 I referenced is 15% tongue weight, the trailer tongue becomes "cargo" of your vehicle. 15% will get you in the safest as possible towing combination.

Then you need to find out just how heavy that trailer and what it's max loaded weight!

There should be a data plate on the trailer, often on the tongue or drivers side of trailer and newer trailers may also be found in one of the kitchen cabinets.

Be very careful when using trailer dry weights, they are often understated and I would say sometimes considerably understated.

Good luck!

You need to install a brake controller and a 7 way trailer connector. Here is an example showing a kit available, but your needs may differ.