Brake Controller Install

[2020Telly]

We got our Telluride in December 2020 with the factory installed tow package that could tow 5000 pounds. We now want to tow a larger camper that obviously needs the 7 pin round with brake control to be able to tow. We watched a video where someone removed the bracket around the 4-way flat and behind it was the mount for the 7 round. Does everyone have that bracket behind there? Ours does not. Maybe they changed it later in the year? I took it to U-Haul to have the two items installed today and they said they couldn't put the new 7 where the 4 currently is. Anyone else having this issue? Just want to get this car to a point where it can tow more and wondering the best solution. Thanks!

When I installed mine there are four screws than hold on the 4pin flat bracket. If I take those 4 screws out the 7pin round bracket is visible. They unscrew from behind.

 

[bcamper]

When I installed mine there are four screws than hold on the 4pin flat bracket. If I take those 4 screws out the 7pin round bracket is visible. They unscrew from behind.

Aha! Thank you. Just removed the outer plate and sure enough you were right the 7pin round bracket was behind it. Thank you.

 

[pks]

I agree that we should stand for the little people and fight the big corporations. I just hate it when people complain because they don't read or understand the fine print. If you're going to spend thousands of dollars on something then at least do your research, or you're just rich and don't care how much it cost, but still complain about the fine print lol.

Yes I am new to hauling. I see another brand would have been a clearer choice for towing. I researched a lot read that fine print which didn't describe the issue. I also asked Kia if I needed anything besides the tow package for my 3500 lb trailer before I bought it and they said no. Then I asked the question to the Kia garage, they didn't know what a brake controller was or how the 4 pin was wired or how to convert it to the 7 pin and they estimated it would be $5000. They do do border on false advertising. Why put a four pin in when anything over 3500 lbs needs a seven pin? I'm with the people who are irritated! What a hassle!

 

[2020Telly]

Why put a four pin in when anything over 3500 lbs needs a seven pin?

There is one exception to this. For example, you can rent a 3,500lb trailer from UHaul that has surge brakes and only use a 4pin. But I’m in agreement they should have offered an easier 7-pin option for the more common electric brake trailers if they were advertising a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. But they figured out the mistake and Kia is fixing this in the 2021 model year. So early adopters from 2020 have to go aftermarket.

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[wcarlson40]

Then I asked the question to the Kia garage, they didn't know what a brake controller was or how the 4 pin was wired or how to convert it to the 7 pin and they estimated it would be $5000.

I'm not an expert at this, but definitely not $5000. If you already have the towing package, looks like you only need 2 more pieces of equipment that will set you back about $300.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-375982.html

 

[pacaherder]

First let me say that I’m bummed Kia didn’t offer the vehicle with a 7 Pin or even a harness but no vehicle is perfect.

Hopefully some helpful info as I started installing my Redarc Tow-Pro Elite brake controller. This controller is nice as you can mount it anywhere in any direction and it’ll self calibrate. The only thing that shows is a small knob with an LED. I mounted this direct to the fuse box cover inside. That way if I ever want to get rid of the brake controller I can replace that cover and haven’t made any mods any where else.

If you opted for the factory tow package you’ll find underneath the 4 pin mount a circular mount for a 7 pin which is nice. I haven’t yet installed the 7 pin yet but think that will help a lot.

When installing the brake controller I removed the dash panel under the steering while which had only one screw and then connectors. Easy to remove and gave me a lot more room to work with.

The brake pedal wiring is a plug that has five wires. The green wire is the switch brake signal you’ll need to tap into with the brake controller. (I couldn’t get in there to get a pic, sorry!) I also ran the wiring for power and the wire to the 7 pin through the outside edge of the large grommet under the dash. The only one I’m not happy with is the white ground which I think I’ll move tomorrow.

For mounting the brake controller I struggled to find a good spot and ended up using existing bolts just to the left of the grommet. Worked well with some mounting plates to close the gap and get a good secure fit.

Hope this helps! Now just need to get the 7 pin installed and I’ll be ready to tow my travel trailer.

Hopefully installing my redarc tomorrow, thanks for the info

 

[gadget guy]

Question. Rather than tapping into the green wire above the brake pedal, could you do it at the fuse box using a fuse tap

OK, I am checking this out since I have a "sister car" the Palisade. I noticed there were 2 green wires on the connector at my brake pedal. Green with red and green with black stripe. Anyone know which is the brake light given that choice before I pull the panel and try and get in there with a multimeter?

 

[Wyattx17]

Question. Rather than tapping into the green wire above the brake pedal, could you do it at the fuse box using a fuse tap

Anyone know the answer to this? I'm getting ready to install a brake controller but I want to find one from the fuse box instead of under the dash. I guess it's all the same...

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