Recommended Class III Trailer Hitch and 7-way Trailer Connector Installation for 2004 Ford Explorer
Question:
Hi I have a 2004 Ford Explorer v8 with a 4 pin trailer plug and 1.25 inch receiver My questions are 1 what do I need to buy to make this into a 7 pin trailer plug ? 2 What 2 inch receiver can I buy and install ? Thank you
asked by: Steve
Expert Reply:
Let's begin with the wiring. There's a couple of ways to do this, and the course you'll want to take will depend on whether the trailer you're towing has brakes on it or not. If your trailer does NOT have brakes, all you'll need is # 37185. Mount the 7-way to the underside of the bumper, plug the adapter into the existing 4 pin trailer connector and ground the white wire to the vehicle frame and you're done. The remaining blue, black and purple wires can be coiled up and tucked away.
If the trailer DOES have brakes, you'll need to install a brake controller using our # ETBC7 brake controller installation kit. For a brake controller, I'd recommend the Brake EVN, part # TK63VR. This is a reasonably priced controller that still includes necessary features like a full LED display and adjustable boost settings for towing different trailers. The # ETBC7 kit includes the 37185 adapter mentioned above, plus all the wire, circuit breakers and hardware needed for a successful installation. I've linked you to an install video showing how the ETBC7 kit is used to install a brake controller on a 2004 Ford Explorer, as well as to a product description video featuring the brake controller I recommended and a help article that goes into detail about how the ETBC7 kit wires into your vehicle.
For a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver opening, I'd recommend the Curt # C13550. The hitch is designed for vehicles with the smaller OEM hitch, and the 2 inch receiver will sit just below the factory hitch. It's not recommended to use both receivers at the same time. I'll link you to an install video for the hitch, as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 800 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
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 >
Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- Plug Only
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups
- Q&A: Availability of InvisiBrake Installation Video on 1998 Jeep Wrangler
- Q&A: Replacement for Pollak PA66-MD40 Connector
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Setup for a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Using a ReadyBrute Elite II Tow Bar
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2011 Chevrolet HHR
- Q&A: Does B and W Gooseneck Hitch # BWGNRK1217 Fit 2017 Nissan Titan XD Long Bed
- Q&A: Blule Ox Baseplate For A Diesel 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali
- Q&A: Replacement Connector for a Pollak PA66-MD40
- Q&A: How To Mount Pollak Connector PA66GF30