Adding a Brake Controller to a 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with Factory Tow Package

Question

Question:

2017 ford explorerxlt 4x4 i bought this vehicle with the type 3 tow package do i need to get a electric brake installation for a winnebago winnie - 3500 lbs max weight and how involved is it ,i live in calif.

asked by: Victor U

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Expert Reply:

If your trailer has electric brakes then I highly recommend using a brake controller to decrease stopping distances when towing and to reduce wear and tear on the 2017 Ford Explorer's brakes. Your Explorer with tow package should include a 7-Way trailer connector which is needed for electric brakes. But also check the glove box for a Ford brake controller harness which they may or may not have included.

If you do have the factory brake controller harness then the amount of installation time and parts will be minimal. If you do not have the factory harness or if Ford does not have one for the 2017 models then the controller will need to be hardwired to the vehicle.

First, let's say you have the Ford harness. It will be labeled so you know which wires control which functions. On a brake controller the white wire is ground, black is 12 volt power in, blue is output to the trailer brakes, and red is input from the brake switch.

If you do not have the Ford harness or Ford does not have one available for 2017 models yet then you will need some additional wire, # 12-1-1 sold by the foot, and a 30-amp circuit breaker # PK54530. Then to hardwire in the controller you would use the wire to attach to the brake controller white wire to the negative battery terminal, black to the positive terminal via the circuit breaker, blue wire to the back of the 7-Way at the 7 o'clock position, and red to the cold side of the brake switch.

The brake switch is usually located above and/or attached to the brake pedal. Use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to find the wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed and not when the headlights or turn signals are on. Once you find it that is the wire that the brake controller red wire will attach to.

If you need wiring tools and parts I also recommend wiring kit # HM51010. For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

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 3

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 4

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 5

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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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

Hello Steve. I do have a good solution for you, but I cannot recommend using the Malone Adapter #MPG544. Since it is rated for towing only 4,000 lbs, your 8,000 lb towed vehicle would be double the max towing capacity. You are right about there being…

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Answer 8

If your 2017 Ford Explorer has the factory prep towing package installed, then you might have a brake controller plug-in wiring on the vehicle to connect your brake controller. However, not all models with the tow package had the wiring installed and…

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Answer 9

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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Answer 10

Yes the Curt hitch part #C12130 is a confirmed fit for your 2008 Mercury Marquis. Then for trailer wiring the Curt harness part #C59236 would be a great option. It's a universal style harness that will require hardwiring to the taillight wiring.

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Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 12

The main difference between a Class III hitch and a Class IV hitch is the capacities they set for the hitches. Class III hitches are rated for up to 6,000 lbs GTW with 600 lbs TW whereas a Class IV is rated for up to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 TW. For…

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Adding a Brake Controller to a 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with Factory Tow Package

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