Recommended Wiring Harness for 2013 Ford F-150 with No Factory Towing Package

Question:

I have a 2013 Ford F150 XL. It does not have a factory tow package. I am planning to add a hitch and a wiring harness but I cannot figure out which wiring harness I need.

asked by: Devin A

Expert Reply:

On your 2013 Ford F-150 without any factory towing package you'll want to use the Curt Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - 60" Wire Lead # C58044 to add a wiring harness on the rear of your vehicle. This does come with quick splice connectors to make the installation easier and will allow you to to tow a trailer that has a 4 way plug. If you need a 7 way plug, this 4 way provides you with the base functions needed for that; once the # C58044 is installed you'll want to use the # ETBC7 to give you a 7 way/4way combo to tow a variety of trailers that you might encounter.

If you need a hitch recommendation, the Curt # 13368 is a great choice because of the durability of Curt hitches' powder coatings, which will help prolong the life of your hitch. This is a custom fit, Class III hitch that installs without and welding or drilling required.

For a complete towing package, you'll also need a ball mount, hitch ball and hitch pin. I recommend using one of our ball mount kits like the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900 which comes with multiple ball mounts and hitch balls to allow you to cover towing different trailers, plus a hitch pin, clip and storage bag to keep everything stored together neatly.

I've linked some installation and review videos of these parts that you might find helpful, as well as our entire selection of ball mount kits for you to look through and see which one best fits your towing needs.