Trailer Wiring Harness Needed for a 1997 Ford Explorer with Factory Tow Wiring Harness

Question:

I have an 2007 escape, not an explorer

asked by: mark h

Expert Reply:

If you Ford Explorer has the factory tow package installed, then the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for the Ford Explorer, 1997, item # 118241, will work on your vehicle. We carry this item for you to purchase.

To determine if the factory tow package is active on your vehicle you should use a circuit tester and test the connection you have found to make sure that the left turn/stop, right turn/stop and tail light functions are working. If any of these functions are not active you will need to use the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for the Ford Explorer, 1997, item # 118345, that you mentioned.

expert reply by: Robert G

Mark H.

7/15/2010

I have an 2007 escape, not an explorer

Bob G.

7/15/2010

I have to apologize, your question stated 1997 Escape and I assumed since the Escape was not produced in 1997 that you were referring to the Explorer because the wiring harness you referenced is for an Explorer. Since you have a 2007 Escape the correct wiring harness for vehicles with the factory tow package installed is the Hopkins Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for the 2007 Ford Escape, item # 40455, which will be installed behind the bumper near the driver side taillight. You will need to use a circuit tester and test the connections in the connector, as described in the original email, to be sure the connector is active. If the connector is not fully functional then the tow package is not complete on your vehicle and you will need to use the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for the 2007 Ford Escape, item # 118426, to install trailer wiring on your vehicle. A mounting bracket, item # 18144, is recommended and the No-Drill Mount Bracket, Short, item # 18140, makes for an easy no drill installation.