Installing a 7- and 4-Way Trailer Connector on a 2017 Ford Escape with Factory 4-Way Connector
Question:
On my 2017 Ford Escape with the factory tow package and a 4 way flat plug where would the best place be to mount the HM40975 bracket? The factory bracket is welded on so I assume that the HM40975 bracket would be mounted to the left of it. That would mean that the factory mounting bracket would be left hanging , right? Also the socket on the HM40975 is a male spade socket and the factory plug is a 4 flat. Do I need an adapter to mate these? Thanks so much,
asked by: Francis M
Helpful Expert Reply:
Trailer connector # HM40975 is meant as a replacement for a factory 7-Way trailer connector so to install it on your 2017 Ford Escape it is going to take some additional parts. If you do not already have that part then I recommend using # ETBC7 instead because it is easier and minimizes the additional parts you will need. For either part you can mount the bracket for it in a place that is convenient for you. Typically they are found on the driver's side of the vehicle. The factory mounting bracket would be left unused.
To get the HM40975 connector wired up you will also need pig tail # PK11998 which plugs into the back of HM40975. Then you will need to cut of the 4-Pole and use its wires to attach to PK11998 as follows:
White wire to white wire (I would also then ground both to the vehicle frame)
Yellow wire from 4-Way to red wire on PK11998
Green wire to green wire
Brown wire to brown wire
Yellow on PK11998 is for reverse lights. If needed it will need to splice into a reverse light wire
That will leave blue and black wires. The blue wire is for electric trailer brakes and requires a brake controller in the vehicle. The black wire is for 12 volt power. So you will need wiring kit # 5506 which comes with wire, circuit breakers (you will need the 30 amp and 40 amp breakers from the kit) and other parts to wire up the blue and black wires.
If you go with ETBC7 it is the only part you will need and you will not have to cut the factory 4-Way connector off.
I have included some links that will help with this installation but they are for the ETBC7. They are still very good guides though if you already have HM40975.
For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable.
Products Referenced in This Question
Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
4' Pigtail Wiring Harness for Pollak Replacement 7-Pole RV Socket
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Vehicle Wiring Harness
- Universal
- 7 Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
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