No-Splice Plug-In 4-Pole Trailer Wiring Harness for 2008 Lincoln MKX

Question:

2008 Lincoln MKX TRAILER Wiring Harness Which wiring harness do you recommend for my vehicle. I want the cleanest installation with the fewest slices and more plugs. Do you have one that would operate a trailer with brakes all in one?

asked by: Bobby B

Expert Reply:

We do offer both hard-wire and custom plug-in 4-pole wiring harnesses for the 2008 Lincoln MKX. The unit I recommend for your MKX is the custom plug-in harness from Tow Ready, part # 118551. This trailer wiring harness installs by plugging in to your MKX's tail light wiring; just one spliced connection is required, for the 12V power input wire to the converter.

This connection is made from the short wire on the converter box to your battery's positive terminal, through the included fuse holder, wire and connectors. You will need to route this one wire from the rear of the vehicle up to the engine compartment. I have linked both a representative installation video and a helpful article on routing the harness power wire. You might consider a wire loom, part # 7509-10, to help protect the wire before securing it to the underside of the vehicle.

This harness provides a 4-pole flat trailer connector that carries stop, turn and tail light signals to your trailer, but it cannot carry a trailer brake signal. This harness is required in order to install the other components that will enable you to install a brake controller for a trailer.

Once your 4-pole harness is in place you will then need an electric trailer brake controller installation kit, part # ETBC7 if the trailer has a 7-way RV-style connector (or # ETBC6 if it has a 6-way - the linked article shows both types). The # ETBC7 kit includes the necessary 7-way socket, wiring, connectors and circuit breakers to equip your MKX to tow a trailer with electric brakes. An article covering installation of the ETBC7 is linked for your reference.

For a brake controller I recommend the reliable and easy-to-use Tekonsha P2, part # 90885. This highly-rated proportional controller will need to be hard-wired to your MKX. There are just 4 wires to connect in the passenger/engine compartments and a few more connections to be made at the 7-way. The linked video shows P2 installation in a 2008 Mercury including use of an ETBC7 kit.