Trailer Connector and Brake Controller Installation 2013 Ford Explorer Limited  

Question:

Expert Reply:

If your 2013 Explorer doesn't already have a trailer connector on it, it wouldn't have been wired for a brake controller.

If you're planning on towing a small trailer that doesn't have brakes and uses a 4 pin trailer connector, the # 118540 wiring harness you'd looked at would be exactly what you need. Simply install that, and you're good to go.

If the trailer has brakes, you would need to install a 7-way trailer connector and a brake controller. The easiest way to do this if you have a smartphone with the iOS v8.0 or higher for Apple or the v4.4 or higher for Android operating system would be to use the Curt Echo, part # C51180. You'd also need the # ETBC7L install kit. The Echo plugs right into the 7-way connector, and your smartphone would run the controller using the downloadable app. I know, it sounds like a crazy set-up, but it works great, it's easy to install and set up and best of all, it's extremely highly rated by our customers.

If you'd prefer a more traditional type controller, the Tekonsha P3 part # 90195 and the # ETBC7 installation kit is what I'd recommend.

Both the install kits include an adapter that would plug into the 4 pin connector provided by the # 118450. If you went with the Echo and the # ETBC7L, you'd simply ground the white wire from the adapter, and extend the black wire to the positive battery terminal using the included wire and circuit breaker, and you're done. If you went with the P3 and the # ETBC7, in addition to the connections mentioned above you'd extend the blue wire to connect with the output from the brake controller.

I'll link you to some installation details and videos that will assist with the installation. As you can see by watching the videos, the Echo is quite a bit less complicated to install.

expert reply by: Mike L

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