Installing a Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2013 Ford Taurus SHO

Question:

I have a 2013 Taurus SHO and looking for a trailer hitch for a jet ski. I looked at the web site and the mechanical part of the installation looks simple, its the electrical that scares me a bit due to the advanced electronics on this car. So, how hard is the electrical? Do you have instructions I can look at?

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

For the easiest installation, the trailer wiring harness that I recommend for your 2013 Ford Taurus SHO is the Tow Ready T-One Harness, # 118599. This harness does not require any cutting or splicing into your vehicles electrical system and it uses power from your vehicle's battery to power the trailer lights. This eliminates the potential for blowing tail light fuses on your vehicle.

If you are somewhat familiar with hand tools and have a basic understanding on how to dismantle interior trim panels in cars, then the installation will not be too difficult. This harness plugs into the tail light harness which can be accessed through the trunk. You may need to remove the trunk lining to access these connections.

You will also need to route the 12 volt power wire to the vehicle battery. Sometimes vehicles have a grommet or access hole in the trunk pan that will allow you to route the wire out of the vehicle. If there is no grommet or access hole available, then you could drill a hole, but you would want to make sure you are not drilling into anything important on the other side and I recommend using a small rubber grommet and sealant once you make the hole to protect the wire and keep fumes out of the interior. Once the power wire is routed outside of the vehicle, you will run it up to the battery and attach it to the positive battery terminal via the included fuse holder.

I have attached a link to the installation instructions for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H