Locating the Rectangular Connector for Trailer Wiring Harness Install on a 2015 Ford Explorer

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Question:

I want to wire my 2015 Ford Explorer for trailer lights and a brake controller - with a 7-way connector. Purchased a TEKONSHA Tow Plug Kit P/N 118272 because that is where the web site leads you. I also see as I research more, that even if I just wanted to install a flat 4 way connector I would have the same problem. The problem is, all the videos, all the instructions all show the same inline connector behind the rear RT side wheel connecting two wire bundles. My vehicle does NOT have this same connector. It has only one wire bundle at the location and it comes to a connector, terminating and just hanging. All your videos I can find show the inline connection. If this is a simple issue of the vehicle having MFG tow package vs. not having an MFG tow package that leads me to a few questions. First - why are you NOT addressing this when trying to sell the wiring kits Second - what steps and products do I need to have to make this happen - end result: 7-way connector with brake control for my trailer. - for that matter even if I wanted just a 4-way connector - that too seems unavailable from your web site. thank you for your help.

asked by: Mark C

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Expert Reply:

I am sorry to hear about the issues you are having trying to install the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector part # 118272 on your 2015 Ford Explorer. I spoke to my contact at Tekonsha and they said that all models should have the rectangular 16 pin connector behind the rear passenger tire. However, not all models will have a harness that attaches to this connector that the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness ties into. In certain cases, the rectangular connector is present but has a black cap on the end of it.

If this is what you have then you will simply need to remove the black cap, plug the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness into the rectangular connector, and then place the black cap on the other end of the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness. This rectangular connector will be present on models with or without the factory tow package.

According to Tekonsha, they have yet to run into any issues where this rectangular connector was not present and this same harness has been used since 2011. If you are absolutely certain that it is not present then you have some sort of anomaly and the only option you will have to install a 7-way is to hardwire in both the 4-Pole Trailer Connector and Installation Kit part # C59496 and the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller part # ETBC7. I was not able to find any order information from your email address but if you can provide me with your order number, I would be happy to go about getting you a refund.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180. The Echo is a relatively new brake controller that is gaining a lot of popularity. The reason for this is because it does not require any modifications to the tow vehicle, it just plugs into the 7-way and you use your phone to customize settings and activate the manual override. The other major reason as to the growing popularity of this brake controller is because it uses a device you are already comfortable using (your phone), you do not need to read an entire comprehensive manual and familiarize yourself with the controls and codes to use it. Please note that if your phone loses power the brake controller will still function as normal.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

The best way to determine if your Explorer is equipped with the tow package is to check with your Ford dealer. They should be able to run the VIN and be able to tell you exactly how the vehicle was equipped. I'm assuming you're needing the…

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Answer 2

I checked with Curt and they list wiring harness #C56278 as a fit for all styles of the 2013 Ford Explorer so that would include models with or without the factory tow package.

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Answer 3

Since your 2014 Ford Explorer does not have the two connectors present at the rear of the vehicle what you'd need is the Hopkins trailer wiring kit part #HM40285 which installs by plugging inline with the taillight connectors.

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Answer 4

Trailer wiring harness #C56278 is designed to fit models of the 2015 Ford Explorer that came with the factory connectors under the vehicle to plug in a wiring harness. If your model did not come with them then it cannot be installed. With or without…

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Answer 5

To install a 7-Way connector on your 2015 Ford Explorer, you can use the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness #118272. This will plug right into the existing port under the Explorer on the passenger side. If your Explorer did not include the factory…

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Answer 6

There are many different wiring harnesses on Police Interceptors, and the photo you've attached is not a common fit for trailer wiring. I don't believe that harness is for your trailer wiring even though it looks similar. I've attached…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

Even without the factory tow package your 2015 Ford Explorer should have a connector under it at the rear. For a 4-way trailer connector use #118540. Or if you need a 7-way use #118272. I've attached videos of both being installed. If you happen…

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Answer 9

I would say that it's entirely possible that since this is a police interceptor model that there just isn't a plug in for a trailer wiring harness on the vehicle anywhere; however I do believe this is unlikely. I would look on the…

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Answer 10

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

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Answer 11

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 12

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Locating the Rectangular Connector for Trailer Wiring Harness Install on a 2015 Ford Explorer

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