Installation of a Trailer Wiring Harness on a 1997 Ford Explorer Without Factory Tow Package

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Question:

i found no pre-wired plug for trailer lights on my 97 explorer i need trailer lights what do i do?

asked by: jesse

0

Expert Reply:

First, you need to find out If your Ford Explorer is equipped with a tow-package port (90 percent are). If so use, item # 118241, which is much simpler to hook up. The plug is usually located in the rear of the vehicle on the driver side. However, the plug can also be found on the passenger side and sometimes even on both sides. The small grey plug is usually covered with a red nipple, but the colors and styles of caps do vary.

If your Explorer is not equipped with the factory tow package then you will need to use the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector, item # 118345, to install a 4-Way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle. The connections will be made behind the vehicle taillights, and inline with the vehicle taillight connectors. You will also need to run one wire to the positive battery post via an included inline fuse.

expert reply by: Robert G

0

Answer 1

Usually, a Ford dealer can tell you if your 1997 Ford Explorer is equipped with the factory tow package by running the VIN in their system. There are also VIN decoders you can find online that may help. The factory connector, if present, to plug in…

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Answer 2

Your 1997 Ford Explorer has a 3 wire system and requires a powered converter. The converter from the auto parts store has taillight, turn, and brake functions and a 5th wire for ground. A converter for your vehicle requires a direct connection to the…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 6

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 8

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 9

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 10

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 11

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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Answer 12

I have attached a picture below of the Curt Hitch item #C26VV installed on a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. I really like this hitch because the crosstube installs behind the rear bumper leaving only the 2" receiver exposed. The Curt Hitch item…

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Installation of a Trailer Wiring Harness on a 1997 Ford Explorer Without Factory Tow Package

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