How To Tell if A Ford Explorer Has A Factory 7-Way and Recommended Brake Controller

Question:

We are in the market for a small hybrid trailer and would need to install a trailer brake controller. Our vehicle has the preinstalled class 3 tow package with both a 7 pin connector and 4 pin connector at the rear of the vehicle. I have been reading that it may be rewired for a controller. I also noticed in the fuse panel under the hood there is a space for a brake controller fuse. How can I tell if it is rewired and what would I need to purchase from you to install one. I also notice with the seven pin, I used with our previous trailer that had hydraulic brakes. I was able to rewire my trailer lead to get constant charging power from the preinstalled 7 pin on our explorer.

asked by: David P

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track David. It looks like you have a factory tow package on your 2017 Ford Explorer since you have a 7-way and your owners manual mentions the fuse. Also the 7-Way and 4-Way on your truck are OEM factory part numbers so it has not been wired with an aftermarket plug.

The brake controller would go in the Ford Explorer to activate the brakes on your trailer. All you need is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 and the wiring adapter part # 3035-P which plugs into a port underneath the dash of your Explorer. The P3 is one of our most popular brake controllers because it has store-able settings so you can tow more than 1 trailer without having to reset it each time. It also has a nice LCD display screen that is easy to read. I have attached a video from a 2013 Ford Explorer that will be the same installation as your 2017.

The 7-Way will provide a trickle charge to your trailer's battery as long as it has an active 12V circuit which is pretty standard with a tow package unless you are missing a fuse. I recommend to check the fuse box page of your owners manual for "trailer charge" fuse and make sure it's in the fuse box.

Please keep in mind the 12V circuit will only trickle charge a battery but not charge a depleted battery. If you want to charge a depleted battery you will need to use an AC wall charger like part # CTEK56865 or install a DC to DC charger in the Ford Explorer like part # 331-BCDC1225D which will give you a way to charge the battery from the vehicle's alternator.