Installing Trailer Brake Controller on 2011 Ford F-150 with Factory 4-Way Connector

Question

Question:

I have a 20011 f-150 with a 7 pin round adaptor to a flat 4 pin adaptor I need the trailer brakes to work and I found the connector and it only has 4 wires coming out of it instead of 7 and no blue wire to connect the blue wire up for the trailer brakes ?

asked by: Chris B

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Expert Reply:

It sounds like your 2011 Ford F-150 came equipped with a factory 4-Way connector. If this is the case then to power a trailer's electric brakes (and install a traditional brake controller) the 4-Way needs to be converted to a fully functional 7-Way.

Since you already plugged in an adapter to give you a 7-Way you will just need to run those additional wires (blue brake output wire that you mentioned and the black 12V wire if needed for a trailer mounted battery). The brake controller, such as the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160, will then need to be hardwired into the truck. For the wiring needed to make this happen you can just use part # 5506 which includes 25 feet of duplex wire and the required circuit breakers and ring terminals. I have attached a diagram to assist.

Another brake controller option that would simplify this install process (and eliminate the need for that blue brake output wire) is with the Curt Echo # C51180. This unique proportional controller simply plugs into the 7-Way on the truck and pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth. It just requires that the 12V pin on the 7-Way is active so this is the only additional wire you would need to run and install.

To do this you would just run a length of 10 gauge wire like # 10-1-1 (sold by foot) from the 12V pin on the 7-Way (11 o'clock position at the back of the connector) up to the truck's battery via a 40 amp breaker like # 9510.

I really like this brake controller not only for the easy install process but also because it eliminates the need for a separate unit inside the cab of your truck since your phone is what is used to adjust any settings or activate the manual override.

I have attached a short video demonstration on the Echo that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

Your problem is in the wiring in one of two places. It is either on the vehicle wiring harness or somewhere in the wiring on the trailer. The first thing to do would be to narrow it down to one of these two places, then we can pin-point the problem…

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Answer 2

You are correct that the issue is on your trailer and based on what you are describing the circuits are somehow swapped when you installed your connector; unfortunately, I was unable to find your order number to see what you purchased from us for the…

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Answer 3

The most likely cause for the incorrect behavior of your trailer lights, where activating one turn signal causes all trailer lights to blink, is an insufficient ground (or a short to ground) on either the vehicle or the trailer. Since you re-wired…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

Hey Roy, The only U-bolt kit we currently only offer for 1-1/2" square axles is part #CE23102, which only has a 3-3/8" length so it likely wouldn't be the best option for you. Instead you'll want to order the 1-1/2" Square…

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Answer 7

The Brophy Slide In Camper Tie-Downs #HSAB might be a fit for your 2011 Ford F-150 but you'll need to do a bit of measuring first and you'll likely need to trim out holes where the tie-downs would sit. You'll want to verify that #HSAB…

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Answer 8

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 9

To connect your vehicle that has a 4-Way flat connector to your trailer that has a 7-Way connector, you will need to install a 7-Way on the rear of your vehicle. If you just want or need the tail light functions to operate on your trailer you will…

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