Recommended Tekonsha Brake Controller Wiring Harness for a 2013 Ford Explorer

Question:

I have a Tekonsha Voyager brake controller that I had previously installed in my 2003 Ford Explorer for towing our pop-up camper. The pop-up and that Explorer are gone I saved the brake controller. I now have a 2013 Ford Explorer with the factory tow package and we are buying a hybrid camper. The factory tow package does have the factory 7-pin connector. Some say that the Explorer has built-in trailer brakes, while I tend to think that Ill still need to install the brake controller. Do you know the answer to this, and will this controller work with my 2013 Explorer? If so, what will I need to connect it? Thank you.

asked by: Dennis

Expert Reply:

According to the Ford Trailer Towing Selector, the 2013 Ford Explorer equipped with the factory tow package did not come with a factory brake controller. It does however have the brake controller wiring harness already ran. In order to use the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller part # 39510 on your 2013 Ford Explorer you will want to use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3035-P. This harness is a complete plug and play option that will not require you to splice any wires. The plug in connector will be located underneath the driver's side kick panel up by your knee.

Depending on the amount of towing and weight of your trailer, I highly recommend installing a supplemental transmission cooler like the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets part # D13503. Towing a trailer puts an enormous amount of stress on your vehicle's transmission therefore, by using a transmission cooler the fluid temperatures will be reduced which will not only increase performance but also help to preserve the life of your vehicle's transmission.

I have included a review video on each of these products for you.

expert reply by: Conner L