How to Install a Brake Controller and 7-Way on a 2015 Ford F-150 with a Factory 4-Way

Question:

Hello. I own a 2015 Ford f 150 with just a 4 pin connector in place. I need to install a 7 pin adaptor along with a brake controller for a camper. I’d like to clarify this process 1st. I believe the 7 pin install involves running a 12 v wire to the battery and another wire to the brake controller. From here I need some clarification. Since my truck doesn’t have a factory 7 pin plug installed will that adaptor behind the dash be there? Or will the brake controller need to be wired directly to the battery? In line circuit breakers on all the wires running to the + post will be enough protection for the electrical system correct? I would appreciate any advice.

asked by: Ian

Expert Reply:

If the 4-Way connector on your 2015 Ford F-150 is from the factory and not an aftermarket add-on then the plug for the brake controller will still be present and it will be semi-functional. What you will need to complete the installation is # ETBC7 along with the brake controller and vehicle-specific wiring harness to plug the controller in.

This installation is a hybrid meaning it is part plug and play and part hardwire. I will explain how it will all install. But first for a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 along with wiring pigtail # 22292.

First you will mount the 7-Way part of ETBC7 at the back of the truck. Ground the white wire to the frame. That leaves a black wire, blue wire, and purple wire. The black wire is the 12 volt hot lead and will connect to the positive battery terminal via the included 40 amp circuit breaker.

The blue wire connects to the blue brake controller wire. More on that later. The purple wire is for reverse lights which you may not need if the trailer does not have reverse lights or an electric reverse lockout. Otherwise you would just splice it to a reverse light wire behind one of the tail lights.

For the blue wire you will need to run the wire under the truck (you can do this at the same time as the 12 volt wire) through the firewall and into the truck cab. To connect it to the brake controller first locate the factory connector behind the left side of the center console. A panel will have to be removed. I linked a video and the instructions to help.

On the 22292 harness identify the end that would plug into the truck. Remove the blue wire from that end and attach it to the wire that you ran from the newly installed 7-Way. You can then plug the 22292 harness into the truck's mating connector. Put it all back together and you're done! Make sure there is a properly rated fuse in the brake control location(s) in the fuse panel(s) (consult owner's manual).

I have included some links that will help with this installation. Not all of the information applies to this specific installation so just follow the relevant parts.