Recommendation For Hitch, Brake Controller, and Wiring For 1995 Ford E-350 Towing a Tractor

Question:

I have a 1995 Ford E-350. I need to set it up for towing a tractor class 4 hitch, brake controller, 7 pin connector on the trailer what would you recommend.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

For a 1995 Ford E-350 Van I would recommend the Draw-Tite Class IV 2 Inch Hitch, part # 41906. It has a maximum gross trailer weight capacity of 10,000 lbs and a maximum tongue weight capacity of 1,000 lbs. I am including links to the installation instructions and a video of the hitch being installed on a 2003 Ford E-350 Van.

For towing, I would recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit, # EBMK2216. It comes with a ball mount, a 2 inch ball and a 2-5/16 inch ball, a hitch pin and clip, and a carrying bag.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is a proportional brake controller which means it applies power to the trailers brakes in proportion to vehicles braking action. It is our best selling controller, and is easy to use and set up. I am including a link to the instructions on the Prodigy P2 brake controller.

To install a brake controller on your 1995 Ford E-350 Van without factory wiring you will need to have a 4-Way trailer connector on the rear of your vehicle and then you will need to hardwire the brake controller with the Brake Controller 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, part # ETBC7.

If you need to install a 4-Way connector on your vehicle you will use the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness, part # 118344. The connection points to install the # 118344 wiring harness on your E-350 van are located behind each of the tail lights. The plugs on the connectors will plug in line with those on your vehicle tail lights. I am including a link to the installation instructions for the Tow Ready wiring harness.

Then, you will need to hardwire the brake controller to your vehicle with the # ETBC7 kit. The # ETBC7 Installation Kit comes with a new 7-Way and 4-Way connector (# 37185) which will plug into the 4-way trailer connector on the back of your vehicle. The 4 remaining wires on the # 37185 connector will be hardwired to the vehicle.

I am including a link to detailed instructions on how to install the # ETBC7 kit on your vehicle and a link to a video of the # ETBC7 kit being installed on a Ford Freestar. The vehicle is different, but the installation is similar.