Electric wiring question...

Hey everyone...I just installed a RedArc Tow Pro brake controller in my new 2020 TRD Sport. I had the right wiring harness and it seems pretty simple, but I'm not good with electrical system stuff. I think this is a super simple question, but again, I'm a newbie at this. I connected the white ground wire to a bare nut that was clean, no rust, and no paint. Is that the way you do the ground wire? Also, is there any way I will fry my truck's electrical system if I did something wrong? Any words of encouragement would be helpful Thanks!

 

Yes you ground the brake controller because the factory wiring harness has a very wimpy 20-22 gauge wire for ground feeding into that connector. So, any good metal contact is likely perfect, unpainted is better than painted, you can test with a multi-meter but it's really hard to mess up a ground.

Assuming you purchased the proper harness or your controller came with one, there's very little risk. Worst possible scenario has you popping the brake controller fuse. Double-check compatibility between controller and harness if you like but there really shouldn't be any way to mess this up.

I've tinkered with a Tekonsha harness myself so I know the connector fairly well based on info from Caribe Makaira who knows every connector on a first name basis.