Installing 7-way on 2011 Ford Expedition without Factory Tow Package
Question:
I want to install 7-way trailer wiring on my 2011 Ford Expedition XLT that did not come with the HD factory two package. It does not have the backup camera but does have the parking assist. I am installing a Tekonsha Prodigy 2 brake controller with the 3035-P wiring harness and a Hopkins 37185 Adaptor 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole. I am trying to find where on my vehicle I can hook up the 12V+ trailer battery charge black wire and the reverse purple wire out of the Hopkins. With the exception of these two wires all the connections work. Where in the vehicle can I find the wires to hook up the black and purple wires out of the Hopkins adapter? Do I need to run new wires?
asked by: David P
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you have a good start to adding your 7-way and trailer brake controller. If you do not have the factory 4-way, then you will need to completely hardwire all the connections. For that connection if you haven't yet purchased anything, I recommend the # ETBC7 kit. If you already have the Hopkins Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole # 37185 you will also use # 5506. The purple wire to the reverse function almost always requires tapping into the reverse light power wire behind your tail light using an additional length of wire.
If you do have the factory 4-way, then you can use the wiring harness # 3035-P to connect the Prodigy P2 # 90885 you referenced. The factory wires are run along the rear frame rail but you may still need some additional wire to reach. For 12V connection and trailer brake output, I recommend # 12-1-1 sold by the foot. For reverse light function, I recommend # 16-1-1 sold by the foot.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Brake Controller Installation on a Ford Full-Size Van
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: How To Connect 4-Way Flat Vehicle Connector To 7-Way on Trailer
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2021 Honda Odyssey
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Installing A Reese Brakeman Controller In A 202 Ford E250 With Factory 4-Flat
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch for a Lance Travel Trailer