I've had a Tekonsha since we got the travel trailer in 2/2014. Never had a problem with it. Glad to hear you've been able to make everything work.

Where are y'all mounting your 7 pin connector? I've currently got mine on the left side of the hitch but it's pretty far away and I ran into an issue with too much tension on the cable on a really sharp turn. I'm contemplating mounting it in the bumper but looking at it I don't think I could get to the back side to cinch down the nuts. I'd probably have to use self tappers and I'm not sure about that long term.

Stainless Steel tappers what I'd look for they out there if fighting rust, layer of 3M doubleside tape.
Got chrome bumper polish SS. Most load is plug n unplug rigged right.

Yeah, I would definitely use stainless steel. I'm more woried about them working loose after repeated pluging/unplugging. I've been looking at the bumper trying to find a way to get a socket back there to tighten down a nut and washer but it appears to be multiple layers and I'm not sure I could do that. Right now I'm trying to find a plug end that will work with the bumper's curve. I might have to just use some heat and try to mold it it fit better.

At first I wanted to just screw/bolt it into the hitch itself but it's some thick steel and I didn't have any luck trying to drill a pilot hole.

Redarc has to be the most simple controller to use and install , works great


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@poisedforflight , fine thread self tappers for thinner metal what's held the OE 4 pin in place
next easiest RivNut, welded nut strips like used to mount hitch to frame.

Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

I used this: Just a moment...

Modified for a bit more clearance and to mount in the stock 4-pin mount location. Its tight, but I didn't want the larger connector to eat up much of my off road clearance. The main plug is standard equipment on many newer trucks, so easy to get a replacement at a parts store if needed in an emergency.

-Charlie

Thanks, can see that working lotta places covering both bases.

Can you post some pictures of your setup?

I went the lazy way since I don't tow that often with it (like once a month).

I have a long isolated wire "sausage" that I just tuck back in the rear left square compartment. I like that I don't loose clearance and it will never rust or corode.

Ask if you need any picture but it's pretty simple.

When using, I close the backdoor over the wire "sausage" and that's it. My english sucks today but the "sausage" is just a tick, soft and transparant silicone-like tube where my trailer wires are routed. Comes with brake controller plug kits.

Been like that for years and now upgraded from 4 to 7 pins.

Here ya go...

Connector mounting:


Controller interface:


Controller box (looking up above driver's left foot location):


The grey wire that comes through the waterproof grommet on the firewall is a dual jacketed 10 gauge wire that I'm using half for brake controller power/signal and half for a trailer charge wire. I'm on my third trailer adapter box in the back, even though I don't tow all that often...

-Charlie

Thanks, that looks exactly like what I want to do. That plug is expensive but it looks like it will be worth it if I can use the factory mounting holes.

I also have a RedArc, it's been great so far.

I have my 4 pin connector tucked and tied up high on the frame behind the bumper. I use an extension cable when I need to tow. When I go to a 7 way, I will actually just add another 4 way cable and build an extension harness for the 7 way plug when I need it. I anticipate needing it 5 to 7 times a year, so this seems the simplest way in my mind. I already have power running to the back from the battery, so I just need to tap into the brake wires and run 1 more back there. A 7 way actually uses onlyl 6 of the 5 of the 7 pins. 4 for the standard trailer lights, and 1 additional for the trailer brake signal. The other 2 are for constant power to recharge batteries, etc and for reverse lights if you have them.

I ordered the plug/bracket/pigtail you recommended. Could you elaborate on the modifications you did to it?