Tab320 Boondock wiring harness

TxNew23ers

We're picking up our very first RV in a couple of weeks and I have an Escape SE with 3500 lbs of towing capability, but i'm having a hitch and 4-pin harness installed.   What type of 7-pin to 4-pin adapter will work?  I realize it won't work the brakes and i've read it won't be charging my battery while driving, but is there anything else to look out for? 

Tampakayaker

TxNew23ers said:

We're picking up our very first RV in a couple of weeks and I have an Escape SE with 3500 lbs of towing capability, but i'm having a hitch and 4-pin harness installed.   What type of 7-pin to 4-pin adapter will work?  I realize it won't work the brakes and i've read it won't be charging my battery while driving, but is there anything else to look out for? 

Why not get the 7 pin installed instead of a 4 pin?  That way you have everything you need.

TxNew23ers

In order to have the 7-pin installed I would have to get a separate brake controller put in.  The installer quoted me about another $400-500 for that and he said that i really didn't need to have a brake controller - only hauling 3500; its not required in Texas.

ScottG

Are you only planning to camp in Texas? Different rules may still apply in different states. 

Sharon_is_SAM

You may want to check with your insurance company about not hooking up the brake controller.  There is a reason for a manufacturer placing electric brakes on a trailer.  You may well be able to tow sufficiently with your Escape, but you never know when you will need that extra braking capacity with a sudden maneuver.  Especially your first RV,  I can’t recommend towing without connecting and using your electric brakes - regardless of the law.

trimtab

It won't happen right away, but towing without trailer brakes is not only dangerous but you will end up needing a front brake job sooner than later. That alone will cost at least $400-650 depending.

Mcadaman

You can get a 7pin harness and Curt Echo bluetooth brake controller from etrailer for about $300 total and have it installed when they put on the hitch.  I got my hitch, harness and BT brake controller from them, had the hitch installed but wiref it myself. The brake controller works with an app you download and control from your phone. Works great too.

Sharon_is_SAM

@Mcadaman - do you need the charge wire installed to operate the Echo?  I know you do with the Prodigy RF controller.

TxNew23ers

The rep at the RV/Camper place said that there's no reason that i would need to use the trailer brakes because its not like i'm towing 10K lbs.

VictoriaP

You can absolutely have a 7 pin installed without a brake controller being done at the same time, I did it because my intent was to use the Prodigy RF brake controller, which doesn’t require a permanent wired installation. Hitch installer had no objections; I’ll do the same thing with the next car soon. A wired controller can always be added later if desired.

I’m going to pile on here though, any time you use a marginal tow vehicle—at 3500 lbs, yes, the Escape meets the minimum requirements, which makes it adequate, not ideal—and you’re towing more than 50% of your limit, you really should add in the extra safety level of trailer brakes even if they aren’t legally required. With the wireless options available now, there’s really no reason not to do this, as using trailer brakes protects both your vehicle and your expensive new trailer.

Additionally, the Escape owners manual states flat out that trailer brakes are required when towing more than 1500 lbs.

Denny16

You need the 12VDC charge connection for both the Echo and Prodigy controllers, this is how they get powered.  You can get by without brakes on the TaB320 if you are towing with a truck, but with the Escape you definitely need trailer brakes working, if nothing else to use to help control the trailer in case you get some sway motion going.  Small vehicles like the Escape do jot have the mass or braking ability to safely stop a 2-3K lbs trailer going 50-60 mph.
cheers

Sharon_is_SAM

@TxNew23ers - a salesman does not always have all the information to keep an owner safe.  Take advantage of some good advice from experienced members here on the forum.    

TxNew23ers

We ended up getting the Curt Echo wireless brake controller and looking forward to testing it out when we pick up the RV.