Best Way to Provide 7-Way Trailer Connector Socket on 2000 Ford E-250 Van

Question:

Have 2000 ford e250. Does not have tow package. Need 7 way plug set up and just looking for the best way to do that. Thanks

asked by: Erik

Expert Reply:

The best way to provide a 7-Way blade-style trailer connector socket at the rear of your 2000 Ford E-250 is to use a 4-Way harness, # 118344, and install the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers # ETBC7. There is no custom wiring harness like the one you referenced for your 2000 Van.

The Tow Ready T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118344 is designed to fit the Ford Van without factory tow pack and will plug into the Van's factory wiring between the rear left and right taillight housings. You will want to remove the factory wiring plug and connect the # 118344 harness in line between the factory wiring and light housing. I've linked the installation instructions for this wiring harness for you.

Once the # 118344 harness is installed, the van will have a 4-way flat wiring connector. This will allow you to plug in the 7-Way trailer connector socket included in the # ETBC7 kit. The 4-Way harness will provide signal for the taillights, right turn/stop, and left turn/stop signals. To complete the wiring of the 7-Way vehicle side connector, 2 more wires must be ran. The blue wire at the back of the 7-Way will need to be ran along the vehicle and into the cab under the dash to connect to a brake controller. The black wire from the 7-Way will need to be ran to through a circuit breaker and to the vehicle's positive battery post. I've attached the installation instructions for the ETBC7 kit for you as well.

If you need a trailer brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885. The Prodigy P2 offers 3 boost levels, continuous diagnostic checks, integrated safeguards like battery protections, and a digital blue LED display. This controller will work with trailers up to 4 axles and is compatible with electric and electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes. I've attached a review video of this controller for you, as well as an installation video on a similar van to yours, a 2004 Ford Van.