Parts Needed to Tow Aliner Trailer with 7 Way Connector on 2012 BMW X3

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Question:

Hi, I am completely new in the towing world, I have a x3 with the hitch received installed, but not any kind of wiring zero I do not see any harness in the compartments on the sides of the trunk, so I think I need a full installation, I want to tow a Aliner camper with a 7 way connector, the Aliner have electronic breaks. So I been reading a looooot in your website and cant figure it out what do I need, for what I learn from your videos I know I need something like a brake controller for 1 axle trailer, and another device to power the lights in the trailer plus the harness for the brakes, aaand a tow ball, is there any kit can you recommend me? or even if is not a kit, just the parts that I need? thank you! My car is a BMW X3, 2012 xDrive 28i with a 3.0 L 6-cylinder engine.

asked by: Omar M

0

Expert Reply:

We've got all of the parts you're going to need, so don't worry!

To start, you'll need to install a 4 way connector, since it provides the base of what you'll need for the 7 way which is used on your Aliner travel trailer. For that, I recommend the Tekonsha ZCI kit # 119250KIT because not only does Tekonsha have the most reliable powered adapters, but the ZCI system requires no cutting/splicing into the vehicle wiring and simply clamps onto the wires you need a signal from. Once you've installed that, you'll want to use the # ETBC7 (for wired brake controllers) or # ETBC7L (for wireless brake controllers) to add the 7 way.

Because your 2012 BMW X3 won't have the brake controller wiring present in the cab of the vehicle, I do recommend going with a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo Mobile # C51180 which is controlled by your smartphone (iOS 8.0 or newer/Android 4.4 or newer required). This controller simply plugs into the # ETBC7L and will send the signals to activate your brakes in proportion to the braking in your tow vehicle.

You'll also need a ball mount, hitch ball, clip and hitch pin to complete your towing package; for that I recommend using the etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs # EBMK2216 since it comes with multiple hitch balls (2" and 2-5/16") to allow you to tow trailers with different sized couplers, as well as a hitch pin, clip and carrying/storage bag. If you've got a smaller trailer and only need a 2" hitch ball, the # 989900 is a similar kit that comes with 2 ball mounts to help you achieve different rise/drop setups you may need with that trailer. I've linked a helpful article on measuring for the correct rise/drop that I recommend checking out before choosing the ball mount that will work best for you.

I've also gone ahead and linked some review and installation instructional videos that will help you install most of these parts.

expert reply by: Erik B

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Answer 1

Hey Ray, so we have the part #18159 which would work great to secure the 7-way of the #ETBC7L that you'll be installing with the Curt Echo #C51180. It's also pretty easy to install too.

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Answer 2

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…

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Answer 3

According to my research, the Aliner Ranger Trailers did come standard with 10" electric brakes so you will need to install a 7-way trailer connector and a brake controller on your 2007 Toyota RAV4 in order to tow it. For this, you will need a…

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Answer 4

Wiring harness #118286 is meant as a replacement for the OEM 7-Way on a 2016 Honda Pilot or to upgrade the factory 4-Way to a 7-Way. Wiring harness #118286 is similar with the difference being that it has a second connector that works with the backup…

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Answer 5

There is a 7-Way connector for the 2020 Honda Pilot with Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package part #118286. The Tekonsha wiring will plug into a connection point behind the rear bumper. I like the Tekonsha wiring because it…

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Answer 6

The best and most economical way to add a 7-way to your 2019 Honda Pilot LX is with the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package #118286. Although you do not have the factory tow package, you still have the ports for this installation. It…

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Answer 7

For your 2022 Honda Pilot, the correct wiring harness for adding the Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller #C51180 is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector #118286. This 7-way does not require you to run any…

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Answer 8

The first thing you need to add a brake controller to a 2023 Honda CR-V is a 4-way trailer wiring harness. For that you would want the Curt #C56370. Next you need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way. Since there are two vehicles I would recommend…

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Answer 9

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…

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Answer 10

The 7-Way trailer connector on the back of your 2003 Chevy Silverado should have a round plug behind it that plugs into another harness that continues up to the front of the truck. What you can do is use #C55774 which comes with a new mounting…

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Answer 11

The Curt hitch offered for your 2015 Kia Soul is a light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class I type, part #C11419, that has 200-lb tongue weight (TW) and 2000-lb gross trailer weight (GTW) ratings. But, and here's a big but, your 2015 Soul is NOT recommended…

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Answer 12

The Draw-Tite Class III hitch, part #76170 installs using 6 M12 1.25 x 35 bolts, so you'd need an M12x1.25 tap. Before trying to chase the threads, you'll likely have success just giving the threads a good scrub with a spray lubricant like…

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Parts Needed to Tow Aliner Trailer with 7 Way Connector on 2012 BMW X3

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