Hitch, Brake Controller and 7-Way Trailer Connector for Motorhome on 1999 Ford E350 Van Chassis

Question:

Im looking for a class 4 trailer hitch and 7 pin wiring and connectors, and brake controller for my 1999 Ford E350 chassis, built into a C class motor home. How do I assure that the hitch will fit the frame? Also, do you know if there is plug and play wiring to connect a 7 pin connector and the brake controller? thanks

asked by: Brent R

Helpful Expert Reply:

It can be tricky to fit a hitch to a motorhome on a cutaway van chassis, because you'll need to make sure that the hitch you choose has the proper amount of drop so the receiver will clear the underside of the back bumper.

To find the drop you'll need, you'll need to measure from the underside of the frame member downwards until you clear the lowest point of the back bumper. A service body hitch like # 41990-07 which offers a 7 inch drop will most likely be what you need.

This hitch will fit your E350 frame with the hitch mounting holes in the frame that measure 38-1/2 inches apart measured center to center.

If your cutaway chassis is equipped with the factory 7-way trailer connector, or if it has the round US Car connector tow package socket under the bumper that will accept the # C55774 trailer connector you'd looked at, it'll be pre-wired for a brake controller.

I'd recommend the Curt TriFlex brake controller, part # C24VV. If the van is pre wired, the controller will be a plug and play install using the # C51322 brake controller wiring harness which plugs into the factory connector under the dash, just to the left of the steering column.

If your van isn't prewired, you can still hardwire in a controller. You'll start by installing a functioning 4-pole trailer connector like # 118344 if you don't have one already. Once that's in place, you can install the # C51140 controller by using our # ETBC7 brake controller install kit. The kit includes an adapter to convert the 4-pole connector into a 7-way, as well as all the circuit breakers and hardware needed to complete the installation. The kit also includes 25 feet of duplex cable which might not be enough for your installation. You'll need enough length to run from the rear bumper up to the battery, then back and forth from the battery through the firewall to the under dash area where the controller mounts. If the included 25 feet won't be enough, we sell the wire by the foot as part # 10-2-1.

I'll link to some help articles and an install video that you'll find helpful.