Installing a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller on a 2008 Honda Ridgeline

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Question:

I have a 2008 Honda Ridgeline which has the 4 pin electric brake connector installed under the dash and a 10 pin connector at the rear. Since I will be towing only a small 2000 lb pop up tent trailer with an approx 350 lb tongue load, I do not want to install the costly Honda complete tow package $1147. I noticed all the tail light tee connector systems terminate in the 4 pole flat trailer connector where I need to terminate in the circular 7 pin round connector. Is there some way where I can supply the necessary stop, turn, and taillights from the existing tail lights and get the battery i.e. charge from a direct line from the fuse dedicated for this under the hood, and install an electric brake controller for the electric brake connection at the 7 pin circular connector? I think the electric brake wiring exists from the fwd 4 pin connector to the factory supplied 10 pin connector at the aft end. Ive been told the Honda-installed wiring installation the $1147 is for towing large vacation and 5th wheel trailers, which I plan not to do.

asked by: Ron M

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Expert Reply:

That towing package might include other things like an alternate transmission cooler or other items including the wiring. That could explain why they say its for more heavy duty towing.

To see if the brake output function reaches from under the dash to the connector at the rear one thing you can try is to run 12-volt power on the circuit in either direction. Then test the other end with a meter or test like such as # PTW2993. If it is connected all the way back, then that is one less hardwiring connection you will need to make.

Adding a 7-Way will not be too difficult or costly on your 2008 Honda Ridgeline. The first thing you are going to want to do is install a 4-Way trailer connector, # 118400. Then you will need the 4 and 7-Way installation kit, # ETBC7. This will add the 7-Way, maintain the 4-Way, and provide the wiring and circuit breakers, as well as other accessories, to install a brake controller of your choosing.

I have included some links that explain the ETBC7 installation. Follow the steps as needed. For example, if the brake output wire does go back to that connector, then you will just need to tap into that wire at the rear connector.

For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. This is one of our most popular controllers because it is easy to set up, easy to use, and its reliable.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

Good news! I can help you outfit your 2007 Honda Ridgeline with all the parts you mentioned to be ready to tow. The hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite #75280, because of its high towing capacity. It's important to note that you will be limited by…

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Answer 2

It would appear that the 2006 Ridgeline either came with a factory installed 7-Way connector at the back or it didn't. If it isn't present then your model must not have come with it. But you can add one. To add a 7-Way you will first need to…

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Answer 3

Sounds like your 2007 Honda Ridgeline has a factory 7-way installed in it. To install a brake controller in your vehicle all you will need is the correct install harness. If you went with a Tekonsha brake controller like the P2 part #90885 all you…

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Answer 4

Unless the vehicle is equipped with the OEM 7-way (apparently it's not), the 12-volt circuit wouldn't be ran from the front of the vehicle. You can run the circuit yourself using a length of 10 gauge wire like part #10-1-1. You'll need to…

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Answer 5

From what I can find, if the 2011 Honda Pilot did not come with a trailer connector then you cannot use the Tekonsha harness #3070-P as it is not connected all the way like on models that came with the completed factory tow package. This could also…

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Answer 6

To install a 7-way trailer connector on your 2007 Pilot, you will need to start with a 4-pole, #118336. You would then use an adapter like part #37185, which would plug into the 4-pole. Once the adapter is plugged in, and the white ground lead is…

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Answer 7

Trailer wiring harness #118253 is OEM in that it plugs into the factory wiring harness on your 2013 Honda Ridgeline. It does not come with a mounting bracket but you can add one using #PK12711U.

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Answer 8

I can help clarify the parts you will need to install a 7-Way trailer connector and the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195. Your 2011 Honda Pilot is pre-wired from the factory to make installing these components easier. For a 7-Way…

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Answer 9

It sounds like the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector #118253 is the wiring kit you found for your 2013 Honda Ridgeline. Most people will choose to use an Adapter #37385 to go from the vehicle 7-way to…

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Answer 10

The procedure for installing a 7-way trailer connector will depend on whether your Pilot is equipped with the 4 or the 6 cylinder engine. 6 cylinder engines are equipped with the factory towing connector located behind the bumper on the driver's…

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Answer 11

I would be happy to help you. We do have a custom fit option that will not require you to mess with finding the correct color or wiring configurations on your 2013 Honda Ridgeline. It is the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way…

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Answer 12

Since your Honda Ridgeline came with a 7-way connector from the factory all you will need is the Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter item #PK12716. This is a simple plug in adapter that will allow you to occasionally pull a trailer with a 4-pin…

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Installing a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller on a 2008 Honda Ridgeline

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