Trailer brake

[antd2289]

Has anyone hard wired a trailer brake switch? If so did it cause any problems or is everything as smooth and operating properly? I’m worried about messing up electronics and voiding a warranty!

 

[Gwyn]

Towing:

Purchased a new Telluride S V6 AWD with 20" wheels three weeks ago. With the intent to tow a small travel trailer with the following specs: Base weight 3634# Maximum capacity 4500# It is a single axle Airstream Sport 22FB with a tongue weight of 422#. We plan to use a Hensley Cub Weight...

tellurideforum.org

 

[Isthisidused]

Has anyone hard wired a trailer brake switch? If so did it cause any problems or is everything as smooth and operating properly? I’m worried about messing up electronics and voiding a warranty!

I had the dealership install the hitch, a 7 pin wiring harness and brake controller. It's all neatly contained in the bumper enclosure so looks like it should readily accept a 7pin wiring harness. I don't know if doing it yourself voids the warranty, but the Telly should be set up to accept one. We had no problems with our 2016 Sorento with a 7 pin harness and brake controller either.

 

[skrub67]

I had the dealership install the hitch, a 7 pin wiring harness and brake controller. It's all neatly contained in the bumper enclosure so looks like it should readily accept a 7pin wiring harness. I don't know if doing it yourself voids the warranty, but the Telly should be set up to accept one. We had no problems with our 2016 Sorento with a 7 pin harness and brake controller either.

Good morning,

When the hitch is dealer installed, does the rear self level still? Is there a software flash of sorts?

We just placed our order for a SX Prestige and they forgot to add the tow package to be added during the build. The build hasn’t started yet so I’m hoping they can get the order corrected before the build starts. But if they can’t, I’m curious.
Thanks

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[Isthisidused]

Good morning,

When the hitch is dealer installed, does the rear self level still? Is there a software flash of sorts?

We just placed our order for a SX Prestige and they forgot to add the tow package to be added during the build. The build hasn’t started yet so I’m hoping they can get the order corrected before the build starts. But if they can’t, I’m curious.
Thanks

As far as I know from the info and brochures, the self leveling should already be installed on SX Prestige, in Canada at least. But the whole towing specs and what the towing package actually includes seems to be an enigma with Kia vehicles. I think they are already prepped for towing, and towing package is the hitch, wiring etc.

 

[skrub67]

As far as I know from the info and brochures, the self leveling should already be installed on SX Prestige, in Canada at least. But the whole towing specs and what the towing package actually includes seems to be an enigma with Kia vehicles. I think they are already prepped for towing, and towing package is the hitch, wiring etc.

Sounds good.. thank you. I will do some research so I know what to expect, either way the hitch gets installed. Thanks again.

 

[Isthisidused]

Sounds good.. thank you. I will do some research so I know what to expect, either way the hitch gets installed. Thanks again.

No problem. Depending on what you're towing, you might want to insist on a 7pin harness instead of 4 pin.

 

[BrianF]

The self-leveling capability is achieved with a different type of rear shock absorbers than the standard type. I’m not sure about the SXP (I have an EX), but with mine the self-leveling shocks only came with the factory tow package.

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[skrub67]

Thanks! I was figuring it was something only avail from the factory but I now with technology on these new cars, I could see it being just a software flash.

Dealer called me today and said I have “package 25” (Pretty sure he said 25) on order which includes factory installed tow.

The wife won’t tow much anything too heavy, we have my truck for that. But I appreciate you looking out mentioning the 7 pin.

 

[Steve in Denver]

I towed a trailer with brakes on my Toyota Sienna, and had to run wiring for the trailer brakes. It involved adding ring terminal to the battery clamp, fed through an auto-reset breaker, and then on to the brake controller. The brake controller also had to have an input for the brake switch. The output from the brake controller was a single wire that traversed the full length of the vehicle to end up in the 7 pin connector. A bit of work to run it all, but it worked very well.

I used a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 brake controller and a wiring kit / 7 pin plug that I got from eTrailer.com. I have been very happy with eTrailer.com for their product selection, service and ample information (videos, writeups, and customer question / answer notes)

When I have some more time I will do this all again on the Telluride. I'll probably use the aftermarket (Curt brand, I think) hitch instead of the factory hitch (it's a lot cheaper), and the same Tekonsha brake controller. As for rear end sag, I figured I would retrofit the self-leveling shocks, but after pricing them I'm not so sure. I may just use air bags like I did with the Sienna. They seemed to work well enough, and my trailer isn't pushing the limits (tongue weight ~300 lbs)

-Steve

 

[Steve in Denver]

I should mention that the Prodigy P3 brake controller isn't just an "on/off" deal, it is proportional, sending more or less voltage to the brakes depending on how fast the vehicle is decelerating. I consider a proportional brake controller mandatory, and these days I think most of the are.

 

[Vlapinta]

Does anyone know how you can change the 4 pin to a 7 pin? We have the tow package on our EX from the factory. We have a boat and we only tow it twice a year, once when we put it in the water, and once when we take it out of the water. Our trailer has a 7 pin so the tow package is useless to us as it is. Any suggestions?

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[Steve in Denver]

Does anyone know how you can change the 4 pin to a 7 pin? We have the tow package on our EX from the factory. We have a boat and we only tow it twice a year, once when we put it in the water, and once when we take it out of the water. Our trailer has a 7 pin so the tow package is useless to us as it is. Any suggestions?

The 7 pin connector that I used for my sienna had a 4 pin input in the back - this takes care of the brake light and turn signals. There were other individual wires that you had to connect if you wanted brake power / reverse lights and +12v power.

So if you just want the brake and turn signal functionality (no electric brakes or anything else) I think you could just buy that connector and be on your way.

I think this would do it:

Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole and 4 Pole w/Test Lamps Curt Wiring C57674

This multi-function, vehicle-end connector converts any 4-way flat, vehicle-end plug to a combination 7-way outlet and 4-pole flat outlet. Lowest Pric

www.etrailer.com

You would want to make sure the mounting point for the current 4-pin connector would accommodate the 7 pin connector if you want it mounted permanently. You would also have to decide if you want to go through the trouble of running the additional wiring for the electronic brakes (and brake controller).

How heavy is the boat, and how far do you tow it?

Also I would make sure it is a 7 pin connector. I know nothing about boats, but I know there are 6 pin connectors out there for some trailers, so you want to make sure what you have. (Both are round, but not compatible)

Steve

 

[BrianF]

The 7 pin connector that I used for my sienna had a 4 pin input in the back - this takes care of the brake light and turn signals. There were other individual wires that you had to connect if you wanted brake power / reverse lights and +12v power.

So if you just want the brake and turn signal functionality (no electric brakes or anything else) I think you could just buy that connector and be on your way.

I think this would do it:

Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole and 4 Pole w/Test Lamps Curt Wiring C57674

This multi-function, vehicle-end connector converts any 4-way flat, vehicle-end plug to a combination 7-way outlet and 4-pole flat outlet. Lowest Pric

www.etrailer.com

You would want to make sure the mounting point for the current 4-pin connector would accommodate the 7 pin connector if you want it mounted permanently. You would also have to decide if you want to go through the trouble of running the additional wiring for the electronic brakes (and brake controller).

How heavy is the boat, and how far do you tow it?

Also I would make sure it is a 7 pin connector. I know nothing about boats, but I know there are 6 pin connectors out there for some trailers, so you want to make sure what you have. (Both are round, but not compatible)

Steve

This is exactly what I’ve put on my Telluride. When you take the 4-pin connector loose, the existing bracket is perfectly configured to mount the 7-pin connector. I haven’t taken the time yet to run the additional wire for charging my trailer battery yet, but that’s a relatively straight-forward job. At least I have lights, and my small camper doesn’t have brakes.

 

[Vlapinta]

The 7 pin connector that I used for my sienna had a 4 pin input in the back - this takes care of the brake light and turn signals. There were other individual wires that you had to connect if you wanted brake power / reverse lights and +12v power.

So if you just want the brake and turn signal functionality (no electric brakes or anything else) I think you could just buy that connector and be on your way.

I think this would do it:

Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole and 4 Pole w/Test Lamps Curt Wiring C57674

This multi-function, vehicle-end connector converts any 4-way flat, vehicle-end plug to a combination 7-way outlet and 4-pole flat outlet. Lowest Pric

www.etrailer.com

You would want to make sure the mounting point for the current 4-pin connector would accommodate the 7 pin connector if you want it mounted permanently. You would also have to decide if you want to go through the trouble of running the additional wiring for the electronic brakes (and brake controller).

How heavy is the boat, and how far do you tow it?

Also I would make sure it is a 7 pin connector. I know nothing about boats, but I know there are 6 pin connectors out there for some trailers, so you want to make sure what you have. (Both are round, but not compatible)

Steve

The boat with the trailer is @ 5,000 lbs. We trailer it @ 14 miles and only twice a year. Yes we definitely have a 7 pin connector We used to trailer it with my Tahoe which does have a larger tow capacity.

 

[Steve in Denver]

It's a bummer that the Telluride isn't pre-wired for a 7 pin connector...

Adding a brake controller for 14 miles 2x per year is hard to swallow...but I would probably do it because I'm a rule follower and I'm always worried about the liability....check your state laws on trailer requirements / brakes, maybe you don't need them? Also I was under the impression that boat trailers tended to use surge brakes (hydraulic) because the boat trailer becomes submerged, so electric brakes could malfunction / become damaged. Are you sure you have electric brakes on that trailer?

I found this link with helpful information. It provides a link to state laws to help determine if you need brakes, and also has a discussion about boat trailer brakes.

Selecting Trailer Brakes | West Marine

West Marine is committed to outfitting your life on the water. With over 250 store locations, 100,000 products in stock, and knowledgeable Associates, trust West Marine for your boating, sailing, fishing, or paddling needs. Shop with confidence - get free shipping to home or stores + price match...

www.westmarine.com

"However, few boat trailers are equipped with electric brakes, but they’re used on many RV and utility trailers. RV-grade systems, with painted automotive-grade components, are not intended for submersion, especially in salt water. Submerging a pair of electromagnet actuators and their wiring is generally regarded with the suspicion that occurs whenever you mix water with electricity. Tie Down Engineering does not recommend their electric brakes for marine applications. "

So if you have surge brakes, you may not need the 7 pin connector (just an adapter from 4 to 7)...you would give up reverse lights and trailer power (to charge a battery while towing, for example) but you would get all of your normal lights (running lights, brake/stop lights).

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[Vlapinta]

We have surge brakes on our trailer. The issue is when we put our car in reverse while towing, the brake controller on the trailer will activate and lock the brakes and that would mean we would be "pushing" the trailer with the wheels locked. We need the 7 pin connector to tell the trailer we are going in reverse. Hard for me to explain, but does this make any sense? Kia should have done it right. If they said tow capacity was 1500 lbs that would be understandable with a 4 pin connector. The fact Kia said the Telluride can tow closer to 5,000 lbs and put a 4 pin connector is just stupid. Don't even get me started that we paid almost $800 for it!

 

[Steve in Denver]

Yeah, I totally understand what you are describing. Kia got a lot of things right with the teulluride, but they screwed the pooch with the towing (and payload) specs / setup.

I suspect they will clean it all up in the near future, but us “early adopters” have to deal with the growing pains.

 

[Vlapinta]

Yeah, I totally understand what you are describing. Kia got a lot of things right with the teulluride, but they screwed the pooch with the towing (and payload) specs / setup.

I suspect they will clean it all up in the near future, but us “early adopters” have to deal with the growing pains.

Agree We love the Telluride so far. Even if we have to pay someone to put our boat in and out of the water a couple of times a year

 

[alexdrums]

We have surge brakes on our trailer. The issue is when we put our car in reverse while towing, the brake controller on the trailer will activate and lock the brakes and that would mean we would be "pushing" the trailer with the wheels locked. We need the 7 pin connector to tell the trailer we are going in reverse. Hard for me to explain, but does this make any sense? Kia should have done it right. If they said tow capacity was 1500 lbs that would be understandable with a 4 pin connector. The fact Kia said the Telluride can tow closer to 5,000 lbs and put a 4 pin connector is just stupid. Don't even get me started that we paid almost $800 for it!

Well you still got the hitch and self-leveling system. Time to go to U-haul and have them install the proper wiring with the 7 pin connector and be done with it.