Trailer Brake Controller for a 2021 Volvo XC90 with a Factory 7-Way Package

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Question:

I have a 2021 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid that came with a factory installed 2” towing receiver and 7-pin plug. Seems like that should indicate that the necessary signals would be provided by the car—through the 7-pin plug—to the trailer’s brakes. Which would mean I don’t need to add a controller to the rig to be certain that the trailer braking function is working. Here’s the problem: I have checked with all the Volvo people at my local dealership, asking the question “is the trailer getting braking signals from the Volvo?” and each time the person I ask has that deer-caught-in-headlights look then answers “Yes...” Needless to say I am not reassured. One bit of evidence that *suggests* the car already handles the braking is that eTrailer lists several brake control units on the web site but after having told the site the make/model/year of the car with the note “WITHOUT FACTORY TRAILER CONNECTOR” in yellow. Any help appreciated on this. Your team continues to provide the best site I’ve found so far when I need something for my rig. Plus, your level of expertise on arcane questions like this one is impressive. Thanks

asked by: Thomas B

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Expert Reply:

Thank you so much for your kind words. We strive to give everyone the information they need so they can make the best choices for their vehicles.

A factory 7-way (or any 7-way for that matter) does not send braking signals to a trailer's brakes. Instead, it provides the power and functionality needed for a brake controller to do that. These two have to work in conjunction in order to utilize the trailer's brakes.

That having been said, many vehicles these days (especially those with built-in tow packages like yours) come with built-in brake controllers. Check your manual and the LED menu in the car to see if this is true for yours. There may also be some controls in the vehicle's cab.

If your XC90 does not have a built-in controller, I recommend the Curt Echo, part # C51180. It's quickly becoming one of our most popular controllers due to its ease of install and customizability. For your current setup, the only thing you would need to do is plug it in and set everything up through the app on your phone. I've linked to a video review of this controller for you to look at.

expert reply by: Kef G

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Answer 1

The Prodigy RF Wireless Trailer Brake Controller #TK94FR does require that +12V power to operate it be present at the appropriate contact pin on the vehicle's 7-way. This is the pin at the 1:00 position as you look at the socket. Please refer to…

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

There are a few options for the trailer coupler when switching from surge to electric trailer brakes. If the coupler has a pin that can be used to lock this out then that would be best but the other options are welding the slide or replacing it…

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Answer 4

The model 1980 Bearing Buddy simply means that they fit a 1.980 inch hub bore. There is one difference of note between Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors #BB1980A (Chrome Plated) or #BB1980A-SS (Stainless Steel) and the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors…

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Answer 5

The grease in your bearings can break down over time so it is best practice to repack your bearings every 12 months (or 12,000 miles but this doesn't apply to you). Now, if you were to accidentally forget to repack them one season it wouldn't…

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Answer 6

For most RVs greased hubs are a better option than oil bath hubs, and for the exact reason you mention. While it is obviously not good to run your greased hubs without a full load of grease, this tends not to result in catastrophic failures, mostly…

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Answer 7

Best option we have is the part #e98887 for a pin lock for the Demco coupler part #DM15000-52. This has a pin diameter of 1/4 inch and a length of 2-1/2 inches so it will fit tight to your coupler and fit well still.

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Answer 8

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado does not have a plug-in adapter for a brake controller such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part #90195. However, the wires that will need to be hardwired into the adapter are already present on the…

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Answer 9

To manuvere your 2500lb Airstream Basecamp Trailer into a tight spot I recommend the Trailer Valet XL Trailer Dolly with Chain Drive #TVXL2 if your trailer uses a 2" hitch ball which is more than likely the case. The Trailer Valet #TVXL2 uses a…

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Answer 10

The Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller #C51180 is not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There is a Manual Override Button #C83HR that is wireless and operates with a CR2016 battery. The nice thing about the Curt Echo is once you…

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Answer 11

The size of flare wrench to use on the Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit #HS496-252 is 3/8-inch. We don't offer a single wrench in this size but we do offer one as part of the 3-piece line wrench set #KLW.

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Answer 12

Using a Brake Line Kit #DM5403 that uses all steel lines with the only exception being the rubber lines down to the axle so the suspension can travel will give you the most consistent braking for your trailer. The steel lines will not expand like the…

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Trailer Brake Controller for a 2021 Volvo XC90 with a Factory 7-Way Package

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