Choice of Trailer Wiring Harness for 2013 Ford Explorer

Question

Question:

I am just wondering... what you recommend for the 2013 ford explorer towing package is a 4 point harness... however the ford website recommends a 7 point harness.... does 4 do the trick?

asked by: Shelby

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Expert Reply:

Your choice of a trailer wiring harness for your 2013 Ford Explorer will depend on the nature of the wiring on the trailer or trailers you will tow.

Basic trailers, those that have lighting functions only but no trailer brakes and no accessories that require 12V power from the tow vehicle, typically use a 4-pole flat trailer connector. Trailers that have brakes and/or that require 12-volt power most often use an RV-style 7-Way blade-type connector. The linked article on trailer wiring illustrates these different types of connectors.

For a 4-pole application I suggest Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56093. This custom-fit harness plugs in at your tail lights and requires no cutting of your vehicle's wiring. It needs only one additional wire, for 12V power to the harness, to be run up the frame to the engine compartment where it connects to the battery positive terminal through the included fuse. I have linked a video showing installation of this kit in your same vehicle.

If you need to be able to tow both 4-pole- and 7-pole-equipped trailers that have brakes, in addition to the harness you will need a Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers, part # ETBC7. This kit includes everything needed to convert the 4-pole to allow connection of trailers that have either a 4-pole or a 7-pole connector. It also includes the wiring and other components to allow installation of a trailer brake controller and 12V power feed for a trailer. A installation video and article on this kit are provided.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

I can confirm the Curt #C56093 will fit a 2021 Ford Explorer. The M at the 10th position in your VIN simply means your vehicle is indeed a 2021 model. Though we do not have a video of this being installed on a 2021 Explorer, I did include a video of…

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Answer 2

I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #CU78FR for your 2021 Ford Explorer. This receiver is a custom fit so it will bolt to existing holes already in your frame. It has a maximum trailer weight capacity of 6,000lbs with a maximum tongue weight…

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Answer 3

For a 2023 Ford Explorer you would need the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C56093 if you did not have the factory trailer connector. If you did you would instead need the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package…

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Answer 4

Yes, it does. The etrailer Hitch item #e29ZR is confirmed to fit all models of the 2023 Ford Explorer. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Ford with included hardware. I really like this hitch because the crossbar is completely concealed…

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Answer 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 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

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 11

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 12

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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