How to Add a 7-Way and Brake Controller to a School Bus

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Question:

Hello, I have a 2001 Thomas Saf-T-Liner School Bus. Can you recommend products to wire up a 7-pin plug with a trailer brake controller?

asked by: Justin K

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Expert Reply:

I sure can! To add a 7-way connector and a brake controller to your 2001 Thomas Saf-T-Liner you will first need to have a 4-flat connector. If you do not already have one you'll have two options depending on your buses lights. If the turn signals and brake lights use the same bulb you could install the 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector item # 18252. If your bus has amber turn signals that are separate from the brake lights you will need a converter. The Curt Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector item # C56175 would be the best way to go.

To add the actual 7-way, I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your bus with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.

You will then connect the blue wire to the blue wire on the brake controller, connect the black wire to the positive post on the your battery, the white wire to ground, and the yellow wire to a reverse circuit if applicable. This will provide you with the ability to control your trailer's brakes and also provide you with a 12v power wire for you trailer's accessory lights.

For a brake controller, my personal favorite is the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty item # RED24FR you were looking at. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your vehicle. The Liberty has a unique installation method where the main unit is concealed behind your dash and the only part visible is the control knob.

The Redarc has a 3-Axis accelerometer that measures deceleration in all directions for precise braking and smooth, uniform stopping action. It automatically adjusts the trailer's braking based on deceleration of your vehicle.

You will need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED69FR to complete the installation.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

When it comes to choosing between the Blue Ox Patriot #BLU37TR and the Brake Buddy Select 3 #HM39524, these systems are extremely similar in their setup and functionality. Both of these systems provide proportional braking in a compact and easy to…

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

To add a hitch to your 2024 Subaru Outback, I recommend the etrailer Hitch item #e25TR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Subaru with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity…

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Answer 7

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Answer 8

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 11

We can definitely help install a brake controller and 7-way on your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander but first the brake controller I recommend is the Redarc Tow Pro Liberty part #RED24FR with the install harness part #RED69FR. As this controller puts…

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Answer 12

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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How to Add a 7-Way and Brake Controller to a School Bus

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