Where is Factory Plug Located to Install Trailer Wiring Harness on a 1997 Ford Explorer

Question

Question:

How do I know if I have the tow package and where is the plug-in located 97 ford explorer 4x4 4dr XLT

asked by: Clifford K

0

Expert Reply:

Usually, a Ford dealer can tell you if your 1997 Ford Explorer is equipped with the factory tow package by running the VIN in their system. There are also VIN decoders you can find online that may help.

The factory connector, if present, to plug in harness # 118241 is located on the passenger's side of your Explorer behind the bumper. I have linked a video showing installation on a Ranger. On the Ranger the connector is on the driver's side but it will show you what you are looking for on your Explorer.

The other option is to use a wiring harness that plugs in line with the tail light wiring on the vehicle, # 118345. I have linked instructions for both of these wiring harnesses for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

Your 1997 Ford Explorer has a 3 wire system and requires a powered converter. The converter from the auto parts store has taillight, turn, and brake functions and a 5th wire for ground. A converter for your vehicle requires a direct connection to the…

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Answer 2

First, you need to find out If your Ford Explorer is equipped with a tow-package port (90 percent are). If so use, item #118241, which is much simpler to hook up. The plug is usually located in the rear of the vehicle on the driver side. However, the…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 7

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 8

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 9

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Answer 10

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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