Adding 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller to 2013 Ford Explorer w/Factory 4-Way Trailer Connector
Question:
the RV trailer I will be pulling has a plug with six blades round and a contact in the middle. How do I adapt the 4 pin connection, also the connector on passenger side is two wires connected with no trailer pig tail? Thanks, appreciate your help
asked by: Philip L
Expert Reply:
To tow the trailer with the 7-Way round connector with your 2013 Ford Explorer that has a 4-Way flat connector you will need an adapter, # 37185. On this adapter, the white wire must be grounded to the vehicle frame in order for the connector to function. The other 3 wires can be tied up if they are not going to be used.
The blue wire is used for electric brakes. The black wire is for 12 volt power. And the purple wire is for reverse lights If the trailer does not have electric brakes, reverse lights or use 12 volt accessories then you will not have to connect these wires.
But if you do need them, instead of using adapter # 37185 I recommend 4 and 7-Way installation kit # ETBC7. This comes with the 4 to 7-Way adapter, retains the use of the 4-Way, and includes the wire an accessories needed to make the 12 volt circuit live and to wire in a brake controller.
A brake controller will be needed to activate the electric brakes on the trailer, if equipped. I recommend the P2, # 90885. It is one of our most popular controllers because it is easy to set up and use and its reliable. I have included some links that will help with the ETBC7 installation.
Products Referenced in This Question
Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement Brakes for a 2007 Pace Trailer w/ 15 Inch Rims
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: 2016 Ford Explorer Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness Recommendations
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Brake Controller and Wiring Harness for a 2022 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring Harness for 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility
- Q&A: Will the Curt Trailer Hitch Interfere With the Kick Sensors on a 2024 Lexus RX 350h
- Q&A: Can I Replace 8-14.5 Tires with a Non-Metric Sized Tire
- Q&A: Horse Trailer Ramp Spring For Helping Lift Heavy Ramp
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Article: Trailer Hitch Balls
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 5-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)