Adding a 4-Way or 7-Way Trailer Wiring Harness to a 2012 Ford Explorer with No Tow Package
Question:
I recently received the p/n 118251 connecter kit for my new 2012 escape. I do not have the factory tow kit on my vehicle but before I ordered this kit I noticed a 10 wire plug with a dust cover over it that terminated behind the rear bumper on the driver side. I just figured that this would be the place I could plug in the new harness that I ordered from you guys. Turns out that the kit is only a 4 prong connector. Looks like Ill have to return this one. Would this be a prewired trailer plugin that is behind the bumper and if so, is there a wiring kit made for this? Thanks for any help you can give me.
asked by: Phil
Expert Reply:
You are correct, harness # 118251 is designed for those vehicles that came with a factory tow package.
For a 2012 Ford Escape without a Tow Package, you will need to use Tow Ready Wiring Harness, # 118551. This converter plugs in line with the tail light wiring and requires a direct connection to the vehicle battery via the fuse and fuse holder included with the kit. I have included a link to the installation details for you.
If you wanted to add a 7-Way trailer connector to the vehicle, first you will need to install the 4-Way wiring harness listed above. You would then need to install a 4 and 7 Way installation Kit, # ETBC7. The 4-Way you installed first plugs into the back of the ETBC7. There will be 4 wires left that need to be hardwired.
The white wire grounds to the vehicle frame. The purple wire connects to the reverse light circuit if needed. If not needed it can be taped up and stowed out of the way. The black wire connects to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker. The blue wire would connect to the blue wire on a brake controller.
I have included a link to a FAQ article and a link to a video that explain the installation of an ETBC7 kit. If you need a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. It is one of our best-selling controllers because it is easy to set up and use. The only other part you will need for installation is a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if you do not already have one.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
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