Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness for 2018 Ford Explorer
Question:
Which wiring harness do I need for this hitch for my 2018 explorer and will I need anything else?
asked by: Candace
Expert Reply:
If you just need a simple 4-way trailer connector on your 2018 Ford Explorer then I recommend the Tekonsha, part # 118540. It plugs in to connectors under the rear of your Explorer on the passenger's side. On the other hand if you need a 7-way connector I recommend part # 118272. It plugs into the same location. If you want the best of both worlds you can get the 7-way harness, part # 118272 that I mentioned, and not use the connector it comes with but instead use part # HM40950. This way you'll have both a 4-way and a 7-way.
The 4-way connector can be hooked to the hitch's safety chain loops or just left hanging but that doesn't work well for a 7-way. To mount the 7-way properly you need a bracket like part # PK12711U. Additionally, it's a lot easier to mount the bracket using our no-drill bracket part # C57202. It uses a hose clamp around the hitch's crosstube so you have a place to install the 7-way's mounting bracket without drilling. It's less essential but we do have a mounting bracket for a 4-way if you wanted to use it. It's part # 18144 and also works with the no-drill bracket.
Along with the hitch and wiring you also need a ball mount. I've linked our selection that fits the 2 inch hitch you selected. I've also linked an article to help you determine the rise or drop you need in a ball mount to tow your trailer level.
I've also linked an installation video of the Draw-Tite hitch, part # 76034, for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tekonsha
more information >
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt No-Drill Bracket for 6-Way or 7-Way Round Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket - Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 6 Round
- 7 Round
- CURT
more information >
Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- Plug Only
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Mounting Bracket and Installation Hardware - Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Vehicle End
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 7 Round
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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