Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector
(224 reviews)
Price: $21.14
In Stock
Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector
Item # 118241
Retail:$44.41
Our Price: $21.14
You Save: 52%
Will this fit?
To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
In Stock
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
- All Info
- Reviews (224)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Tekonsha Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - 118241
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Tekonsha
- No Converter
Tow Ready Tow Package Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness by Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch and Reese
Features:
- Provides a 4-pole flat trailer connector for the vehicle
- Quick and Easy
- No Cutting, Splicing or Taping
- Just Plug in the Connector and You're Ready to Tow
- Solid One Piece Construction
- 16 Gauge Bonded Wire w/ 4-Flat Plug
- "Factory" Appearance
- Connector is Equipped with a Circuit Protected Modulite Module
- Protects itself and the tow vehicle against harmful electrical shorts and mis-wire situations.
- Simple Do-It-Yourself Instructions on Every Package
- Can be used with 5-pole, 6-pole or 7-pole adapters (sold separately)
Installation: The connection point is hanging underneath the rear of the vehicle and can be found on either the driver or passenger side. Connector will have a protective cap that will need to be removed. The 4-pole trailer connector will be stowed under the vehicle close to the trailer hitch. A mounting bracket is recommended.
Tech Tip: It is always a good idea to apply a small amount of grease to all electrical connections to help prevent corrosion.
Warning: Overloading circuit can cause fires. Do not exceed lower of towing manufacturer rating or:
- Max. stop/turn light: (7.5 amps)
- Max. tail lights: (7.5 amps)
Read vehicle's owners manual and instruction sheet for additional information.
Ford Explorers with the tow package will have a plug hanging underneath the vehicle. The plug is usually located in the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side. However, the plug can also be found on the passenger's side and sometimes even on both sides. The small grey plug is usually covered with a red nipple (as pictured), but the colors and styles of caps do vary.
118241 Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 1998 - 2001 Mazda B Series Pickup with factory Tow Package
- 2001 - 2001 Ford Explorer excluding Sport - with factory 7-Way
- 2001 - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport - with factory 7-Way
- 1995 - 1999 Ford Explorer with factory 4-flat or 7-Way
- 2000 - 2000 Ford Explorer with factory 7-Way
- 2000 - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer with factory 4-flat
- 1997 - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer with factory Tow Package
- 1998 - 1999 Ford Ranger with factory trailer connector
California residents: click here
Customer Satisfaction Score:
99% were satisfied with this product
1% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
Customer Reviews
Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector - 118241
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (224 Customer Reviews)
Tow Ready Tow Package Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness by Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch and Reeseby: Gregory 03/21/2024
2000 Ford Explorer
The wiring harness arrived with the hitch I ordered. It was a easy plug in install.
by: Chris01/20/2024
1997 Ford Explorer
I am delighted with the speed you delivered my items. I ordered from two different suppliers. First company would not tell me a delivery date. When I pressed for a date, company was vague. Pressed further a delivery date finally given as two months later. Second company was as bad as the first.
etrailer.com was a totally different story. From date of order to delivery was one week. Excellent job, thank you!
by: Ramiro M05/04/2024
1998 Ford Ranger
99 ranger pug and play loved it ! This isn’t a paid review I usually don’t do reviews
by: Jim W.09/14/2019
I changed all the lights in my 98 Ford Ranger to LED and added a Tailgate light bar. The Hopkins inline adapter that I already had showed a cross talk problem with the LEDs but not bulbs. If you had the tail lights on and turned on a turn signal, the opposite side flashed dimly making it look like hazard lights were on. This adapter was a perfect straight wire fix that plugged directly into the existing trailer light pigtail to provide a 4 wire connection and it was priced cheaper than I could do it myself. Easy to install and tucked away neatly. Notice there is no dim right turn signal now when the left one is on. Thank you etrailer for having what I needed and the great customer service!
by: Wes 04/23/2024
Perfect fit, easy to install and still works great over one year later.
by: Alan09/03/2018
1998 Ford Explorer
Like the reciever the wiring harness arrived 2 days early and it was a plug and play item, perfect for my 1998 Explorer..
It took just a few minutes to remove the dust cap from the plug which was located behind the drivers side rear brake light under the Explorer and then just plug the harness in and route it in the best location you can find...
by: Cameron05/15/2021
2000 Ford Explorer
Becuase if this website it was easy to find what was needed for my truck to tow. Very detailed installs online. The best part was everything was bolt in and no drilling required along with plug and play wiring harness. Definitely will be another custom tee in the future!
by: Chris 02/08/2024
1998 Ford Explorer
Arrived on time and worked as it was ad vertised.
by: Fred12/11/2017
2000 Ford Explorer
I spoke to my mechanic (who failed to locate the round plug that your video shows) who said I might be paying hundreds of dollars and hours possibly, to splice wires and get it right for trailer lights. Then I watched your video, total time five minutes, went out to my 2000 Ford Explorer Sport, 3 minutes, saw the plug, ordered the part $12---then installed--3 minutes. Wow. Thank you. No splicing, no mess, no fuss. Just plug it in. I tested it with the boat trailer and horse trailer-everything works perfectly. Can't beat it.
by: J. Russell11/24/2017
1997 Ford Explorer
I am truly amazed with etrailer.com. Not only did I find the wiring harness for my '97 Ford Explorer but it arrived as scheduled and was easily installed within minutes. The support team was also fantastic in following-up on my order and offering technical support if required. I definitely recommend this site and the entire team and plan on starting my search with etrailer.com for future needs.
J L.
11/25/2018
My etrailer product was easy to install and has worked flawlessly for one year. When I need trailering products I definitely will go to etrailer first!
by: Brad B.02/15/2017
1999 Mazda B Series Pickup
Wiring Harness was delivered on schedule. Was a "snap" to connect to existing wiring coupler--plenty long--and works perfectly. 100% content with this purchase, price, and ability now to light and signal utility trailers.
Brad B.
2/16/2018
The product is fine no problems. Satisfied....
by: Don M.05/18/2015
2001 Ford Explorer
Received the wrong wiring harness from another site so I decided to try etrailer. They had the correct harness and I received it quickly. Site is easy to use. Overall a very good experience.
George M.
5/26/2016
No problems or issues to report...
by: brad03/04/2016
easiest trailer wiring i've ever done. pulled off a dust plug, plugged in adapter, and down the road i went..
Bradley G.
3/4/2017
works great. have no problem with it. plug in and take off
by: PETER G09/22/2014
SPOKE WITH RICK IN CUSTOMER SERVICE,HE ANSWERED MY QUESTIONS.TOOK THE ORDER AND SHIPPED IT OUT FAST.THE WIRING HARNESS WORKED JUST FINE.GREAT PRODUCT AND GREAT SERVICE TOO.
Peter G.
9/28/2015
ONE YEAR LATTER AND IS WORKING WELL!THANKS AGAIN
by: Rick M.12/11/2013
2000 Mercury Mountaineer
Harness came quickly and appears to be OEM harness as described. Original harness connection was behind the left tail lite. Capsule was removed (two screws at top of tail-lite). Connection was done and cable routed and positioned under bumper in less than 5 minutes. I presume the old harness had some corrosion as this did the trick. I did purchase a flexible cable protector to put around the harness wiring to prevent damage. It took me longer to write this review than it did to fix my problem.
Patrick B.
12/12/2013
Using some electrical contact grease, like part 11755, will help keep moisture out and drastically slow corrosion.
by: Dana06/23/2020
I wish I could tell you it works great but I can't :( I wasted my hard earned money as ALWAYS, something is wrong with the factory wiring in my truck so it don't get power to the plug. more stuff for the shelves in garage that I have sadly wasted money on by NO purpose of mine..
Heather A.
6/30/2020
Thank you for your review. Although I am not sure which year make and model you have exactly the first thing that comes to mind is a blown fuse. Most trucks with factory wiring have corresponding fuses for 12V power. I recommend to check your owners manual for the location of the fuse and see if it needs to be replaced or added.
Heather A.
6/30/2020
Thank you for your review. Although I am not sure which year make and model you have exactly the first thing that comes to mind is a blown fuse. Most trucks with factory wiring have corresponding fuses. I recommend to check your owners manual for the location of the fuses and see if any need to be replaced or added.
by: James03/02/2016
Did just what I needed it to do. Easy to install, been using it regularly on RV and Utility Trailer.
I am planning to buy another for my E150 Van. I hope the purchase and installation will be as simple as my earlier purchase.
James
3/2/2017
fine
by: JCB03/05/2018
This harness was easy to install and after a year of use, it's still in great shape and working well.
I tow a trailer at least once a month, with an average trip of 6 hours... in every weather condition you can think of.
I routed the wire up over the bumper and it's got lots of length to reach the trailer plug.
I'm totally happy with it.
by: Kent11/03/2017
2001 Ford Explorer
The trailer light harness worked as advertised and installation was a breeze. The harness was very reasonably priced and the item arrived as promised. The one thing I truly liked about what 'etrailer.com' did is that they had a video on how to install the harness. For me, it helped out tremendously to watch on how to install it and what to look out for. Credit to this company for providing this type of assistance. I will definitely buy from them again.
by: Victor 10/03/2019
1999 Ford Explorer
Wiring adapter was simple to install, plug and play on my 1999 Ford explorer. Hooked right to the factory wiring harness with a click and we were finished. Used the trailer twice since and no issues.
by: Anthony J11/17/2016
2000 Mercury Mountaineer
118241 Had to replace? not sure just wasn't making good connection, reordered it from e trailer just last month. Everything else still in great working order!
Trailer wiring to battery needs to be change, the battery negative post area has accelerated corrosion where the wires are hooked to battery post.
by: roger02/02/2017
1999 Ford Explorer
got a reciever hitch for a 99 ford explorer and wiring adapter. everything needed except spanners/ wrenches was there . very clear simple instructions. fitted it this morning took 30 mins 6.30 to 7.00 before going to work . everything fitted and holes in frame were where the instructions said they would be. i have fitted many hitches and this was by far the easiest. wiring adapter plugged straight in. Full marks Etrailer I will be back for more stuff.
Roger O AKA (Greywollfe)
by: Ed H12/09/2014
Ford Explorer
Plug and play. Ford made hooking up trailer lights for the Explorer easy. If you have this harness kit, just unhook the left rear taillight, pull it out, plug this into the connector that's on your truck's wiring, and you are done. Beginning to end, it takes about three minutes to wire your truck for trailer lights with this.
by: Paul 05/01/2021
High quality products, does everything as advertised. Super easy to install and worked great. A little slow getting my order but with the pandemic that's to be expected
Paul
5/1/2022
Harness still operating as it should, not a problem with it at all. Works as good as any factory wiring.
by: Gary 11/05/2019
Ford
The connector fit perfectly and my trailer lights are working again.
Thanks so much. Had looked at local Ford dealerships and
auto supply. Searched online and your connector came right up.
In addition was able to get a new trailer hitch to mount on car
at the same time.
Came quickly without any disappointments.
Thanks, Gary
25
224
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Tekonsha Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Installation of a Trailer Wiring Harness on a 1997 Ford Explorer Without Factory Tow PackageFirst, you need to find out If your Ford Explorer is equipped with a tow-package port (90 percent are). If so use, item # 118241, which is much simpler to hook up. The plug is usually located in the rear of the vehicle on the driver side. However, the plug can also be found on the passenger side and sometimes even on both sides. The small grey plug is usually covered with a red nipple, but the colors and styles of caps do vary. If your Explorer is not equipped with the factory tow package...
view full answer... - Location of Trailer Wiring Harness Plug on a 1998 Ford Explorer With Factory Tow PackageIt sounds as if the connection you found is one that is located on the opposite side of the vehicle. If your 1998 model Explorer has the factory tow package installed the correct connector for the trailer wiring harness, # 118421, is sometimes on the drivers side or the passengers side. There is a very similar connector that the harness will not plug into on the opposite side in most every case. Go to the other side and locate the connector there and I am confident your wiring harness...
view full answer... - Does the Draw-Tite 75096 Fit a 1998 Ford Explorer XLT Yes. The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 75096 is a confirmed fit on all models of the 1998 Ford Explorer XLT with 255/70r16 tires. If you'll be towing with this hitch then you'll also need a wiring harness; I recommend using the Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector # 118241 for that. I've also linked all of our adjustable ball mounts for you to check out since you'll need a ball mount and having an adjustable ball mount takes...
view full answer... - Can Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch 75096 be Installed at Home on a 2001 Ford Explorer XLT 4-DoorI am confident that you could install the Draw-Tite trailer hitch, # 75096, at home in your driveway or garage. If you have the proper tools (listed in the instructions link; a torque wrench is also required) and an assistant, installation should not be very difficult. We rate installation difficulty based on the estimated installation time on a scale of 1 to 10. We have rated this installation a 3 which means it should take at least 30 minutes to install. I have included a link to the...
view full answer... - Where is Factory Plug Located to Install Trailer Wiring Harness on a 1997 Ford ExplorerUsually, a Ford dealer can tell you if your 1997 Ford Explorer is equipped with the factory tow package by running the VIN in their system. There are also VIN decoders you can find online that may help. The factory connector, if present, to plug in harness # 118241 is located on the passenger's side of your Explorer behind the bumper. I have linked a video showing installation on a Ranger. On the Ranger the connector is on the driver's side but it will show you what you are looking for...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Install 7 Way Connector on 2001 Ford ExplorerIn order to install a 7-way on your 2001 Ford Explorer, you will need to start by installing the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118241. Just remove the protective cap on the connector that you located and plug the 4-way wiring directly into that connector. From there you will need our Universal Installation Kit, # ETBC7, which will provide the 7 way connector needed to hook to your trailer. I have included an installation video for you.
view full answer... - Installing 4-Way Wiring Harness On 1995 Ford ExplorerThe wiring harness for your 1995 Ford Explorer should be on the passenger side of the vehicle behind the bumper. This harness should have a cap on it you can remove and then plug the harness designed for your vehicle, part # 118241 right into it. The harness you found may not be the correct one. Per the instructions for the # 118241, you will find the connector on the passenger side behind the bumper for an Explorer. When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Install Trailer Brake Controller in 1997 Ford Explorer XLTAuto makers do not consistently use the same color wire throughout a vehicle production run so the color of the wire is not a reliable way to find the cold side of the brake light switch on your 1997 Ford Explorer. The correct wire for connection to the red wire on a trailer brake controller like the Prodigy P3 # 90195 will best be determined by testing the wires at the brake light switch. You want to use the wire that shows power ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed and at no other time....
view full answer... - How to Determine if a 1998 Ford Explorer has the Automatic Ride Control FeatureThe easiest way to determine if your 1998 Ford Explorer has the factory air leveling system (automatic ride control) is to call a Ford dealer and have them look up the VIN in their computer system to see how that vehicle was equipped. If the system is supposed to work automatically then I would think that you would have heard an on-board air compressor kick on at some point to level the vehicle. You also may want to check the vehicle owners manual because sometimes they will list the...
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2001 Ford Explorer 4-Door LTDIf your 2001 Ford Explorer came with a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector then you would use # 118241 to install a 4-Way trailer connector. You can check to see if that round plug under the vehicle is live or not by testing it with a circuit tester, # PTW2993, while someone goes through the lighting functions in the cab of the vehicle. If that plug shows power, then you can use # 118241. If that plug does not show power, then to add a 4-Way you will need wither # 118344 if you...
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring Harness for 1996 Ford ExplorerDoes your Explorer have the Factory tow package? If so, there is a connector under and behind the rear bumper usually on the passenger side of the vehicle that the wiring harness, part # 118241 would plug into. If your Explorer does not have the tow package, wiring a 4-way connector directly into the tail light wiring will not work. Your Explorer carries the signal for the brake lamp and the turn signals on a separate circuit, the trailer has both these functions combined on one circuit....
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch Recommendations for a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport with Full Size Factory Spare TireI have included a link to the trailer hitches that are for the 1999 model. For a hitch that will accommodate a factory full size spare tire, you can use CURT Trailer Hitch, # 13540. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you. If you plan on doing some towing, I recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit, # 989900, which comes will 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, and pin with clip, and a carrying bag. For trailer wiring, if the vehicle does not have a tow package, use # 118345....
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring Harnesses for a 1997 Ford ExplorerYour 1997 Ford Explorer has a 3 wire system and requires a powered converter. The converter from the auto parts store has taillight, turn, and brake functions and a 5th wire for ground. A converter for your vehicle requires a direct connection to the vehicle battery to protect your vehicles sensitive wiring. Bypassing the modulite is not recommended for this reason. If the modulite is damaged, there are no internal serviceable parts so a replacement is the best option. If your Explorer...
view full answer... - Tow Package Fuse Locations for a 1998 Ford ExpeditionI pulled up a picture of a fuse box of a 1998 Ford Expedition and it looks like position 1 is the trailer tow running lamp relay and back up light relay. Position 16 is trailer battery charge circuit. Position 28 is brake controller relay. Aside from that you would want to check all towing related fuses using the diagram on the fuse box lid.
view full answer... - Will Draw-Tite Class III 2-Inch Hitch # 75096 Fit 2000 Ford Explorer With a Full Size Spare TireThe Draw-Tite Class II 2-Inch Hitch, part # 75096, will fit your 2000 Ford Explorer 4WD with the factory OEM full size spare tire. When installing the hitch the spare tire is loosened to allow the hitch to line up with the holes on the frame and it is re-tightened after the hitch is installed. If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they will need to be removed. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Draw-Tite hitch. If you plan on doing some towing you might...
view full answer... - Where to Connect the Tow Package Wiring Harness 118241 on a 2001 Ford Explorer XLT 4 DoorWhen installing the Tow Package Wiring Harness, item # 118241, on a 2001 Ford Explorer XLT 4 door you will need to use the tow harness connector on the right side of the vehicle. The connector on the other side, while it looks very similar, will not accept the connector for the Tow Package harness. If the connector on your vehicle does not work or will not accept the connector on the Tow Package Wiring Harness, item # 118241, you will need the T-One Wiring Harness, item # 118345, to add...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Add Fully Functioning 7-Way Trailer Connector to 1999 Ford ExplorerSure thing! To add a fully-functioning 7-Way connector to your 1999 Ford Explorer we need to first add a 4-Way for the standard trailer light functions. If your vehicle came with a factory 4-Way or 7-Way then part # 118241 will get us there, otherwise we need to use the T-One # 118345 which tees in behind your tail lights and pulls power via a separate wire directly from your battery. Now that we have a 4-Way we can install the Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7 which comes with all of...
view full answer... - Where is the Factory Connection Point to Install a Trailer Wiring Harness on a 1995 Ford ExplorerIf your 1995 Ford Explorer came with the factory tow package then the connector on the vehicle to plug the wiring harness into is located up behind the rear bumper on the passenger side or drivers side. I have linked a video showing an installation of harness # 118241 on a 1996 Explorer and the installation will be very similar on your 1995 model. If your Explorer did not come with the factory tow package then you will need a different harness # 118345. It plugs in line with the vehicle...
view full answer... - How Does the Tow Ready Wiring Harness part # 118241 Install on a Ford ExplorerTo install the trailer wiring harness part # 118241 on your 1995 Ford Explorer you would need to Locate the vehicle's factory tow harness connector behind the right side of the bumper. This harness will have a connector that will mate to the end of the tow plug. I attached an install video for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Recommended Trailer Hitch For 1999 Ford Ranger Flareside TruckThe trailer hitch I recommend for your 1999 Ford Ranger with the flareside is the Draw-Tite trailer Hitch, part # 75082. This is a Class lll hitch with a 2 inch receiver opening. If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag. If you need...
view full answer... - How to Determine if a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT Has a Factory Tow PackageFord Explorers with the tow package will have a plug hanging underneath the vehicle. The plug is usually located in the rear of the Ford Explorer on the drivers side. However, the plug can also be found on the passengers side and sometimes even on both sides. The small gray connector is usually covered with a red plug (see attached picture), but the colors and styles of caps do vary. About 90 per cent of the Ford Explorers came with the tow package. I am including a link to a video of...
view full answer...
- Troubleshooting Trailer Blinkers that Flash Together and No Brake LightsIf I am understanding you correctly it sounds like you had a trailer light assembly break and after that the brake lights stopped functioning and the blinkers now both flash at the same time. Most likely what happened is that when the assembly broke it tore some wiring and now you have shorts between some circuits. If you check the wiring of the assemblies and clean up any shorts this should fix the problem. I attached a help article on troubleshooting 4-way installs as well.
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Running Lights Not Working on Trailer Wiring of 1999 Ford RangerFor your 1999 Ford Ranger the # 118241 is a confirmed fit. If that is what you have installed on yours and the running lights aren't working the first thing you will want to do is test the pin with the brown wire behind it on the 4-way for voltage when the headlights or running lights are on. I attached a video that details how to do this. If there is voltage there then the problem is on the trailer. Make sure that the trailer side connector are clean and free of corrosion inside and...
view full answer... - 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness For 1994 Ford ExplorerI called my contact at the manufacturer and the connector you sent the photo of sure looks like the mate for the Tow Package Wiring Harness, part # 118241. Since the # 118241 was designed to fit Explorers from 1995 and up, they may possibly have used the connector earlier. You can do some testing of the wires to see if this will work. You will need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. Test the pins I have noted on the attached photo. Have someone sit in the front and run through the functions...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Robert G
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jeff D
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Adam R
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Video Edited:
Zack K
Video Edited:
Andrew L
Video by:
Joshua S
Test Fit:
Nicholas E
Updated by:
Adele M
Updated by:
Laura H
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Alexander C
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Installed by:
Andy C
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924
Fred
12/11/2018
Everything is still working perfectly. You have no idea what complicated baloney my mechanic, as well as store clerks at several Automotive stores, told me about what would have to happen to connect my horse trailer. And the money I needed to spend, in labor and in product. You solved that with very little money needed and five minutes to hook up. So, yes I am still very happy.