Trailer Brake Subharness - Need definitive answer (please)

[jbonbright]

Hello all; my first post to the ROC. What a great forum.

Installed the OEM hitch two days ago and put a deposit down on a 20' KZ Coyote hybrid travel trailer yesterday.

My question involves the leftover trailer brake subharness (TBS). When I installed the wiring harness (from the OEM kit) under the dash, I plugged in the ten-pin connector from the harness to the vehicle ten-pin connector, then did the same with the four-pin. Does that mean the trailer's brakes will now be activated when I apply the brakes in my Ridgeline? Or do you *need* a third-party electric brake controller like a Prodigy?

Which leads me to the leftover TBS. I guess what you're supposed to do with the TBS is solder its four wires with the four wires you'd get with the harness of the electric brake controller. But then what? Do you UNPLUG the hitch kit harness four-pin connector from the vehicle connector, then plug this soldered-together harness there instead?

If that's true, WHAT does the current four-pin connection (from the OEM hitch kit) provide?

Thanks; anyone who can provide some clarity to this willl be a lifelong friend.

[csimo]

The leftover harness is to connect to a third party electronic brake controller (such as a Prodigy). Until you add the controller the trailer brakes won't work.

The supplied harness is a universal harness. Some brands (I think the Prodigy is included) have a plug in harness designed for the Ridgeline if you buy it from them. If not then you use the extra harness included.

Hope this helps!

[Webwader]

Some brands (I think the Prodigy is included) have a plug in harness designed for the Ridgeline if you buy it from them.

Tekonsha, the maker of the Prodigy brake controller, does have a Honda harness available.