Brake Controller and Install Wiring Recommendation for 2016 Ford Expedition

Question:

Just purchased a 2016 Ford Expedition EL I am trying to set it up to pull a Jayco jayfeather 7 19xud camper. the Expedition has a receiver and factory 4 flat trailer wire connector. There is also a blue wire labeled trailer brakes capped and sticking out of the wire bundle next to the wires for the 4 flat light connector. I do not see another wire for the 12 volt power connector. Just wondering if there is one that I have not found, or what I need to add if there is not. Also will there be a connector for a brake controller. Which controller do you recommend. Finally I am probably on the edge of needing a weight distribution hitch do you think I need one and if so which

asked by: Jared B

Helpful Expert Reply:

What you will need is a brake controller, the install adapter for the dash area of the vehicle and the 4-way to 7-way adapter part # 37185.

The # 37185 will plug into your 4-way and then the brake wire you found runs to the blue wire of the # 37185.

The part # 22292 plugs into the brake controller install port under the dash of your vehicle and you'll be set.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. This will be the last brake controller you buy. It can easily be transferred to future vehicles as well.

If you need the 12 volt power circuit complete you will need to run a length of 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 from the black wire of the 37185 through a breaker like part # 9510 to the positive post of your vehicle battery.

You didn't list the weight of your trailer, but with weight distribution we recommend using it if the total weight of your trailer exceeds half of the vehicle's total towing capacity.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Once you know your tongue weight you will want to check out the link I attached that has all of the weight distribution systems we carry. You will be able to select your tongue weight from the filters to see what would be rated for your setup.