How to Install 4 to 7-Way Adapter # 37185 on a 2001 Ford F-150 and Utilize Electric Trailer Brakes
Question:
I have a 2001 Ford F150 with a 4-pole trailer light kit installed. How or what do I need to purchase to convert this to a 7-way connector. Also the trailer I purchased has electric brakes. How do I utilize them?
asked by: Arthur G
Expert Reply:
The # 37185 adapter would be a good choice to convert your 4-pole plug to a 7-way plug.
To install the # 37185 adapter, you would first plug the matching connector, and then connect the additional wires. If you view the image of the adapter, you will see a white ground wire, as well as three additional wires colored blue, black, and purple.
You will connect the additional wires as follows:
White: Ground, attached to a suitable location on the vehicle frame.
Black: Run to the vehicle positive battery terminal, with a 40amp circuit breaker like part # 9510.
Blue: Connected to the blue electric brake wire coming from the brake controller in the vehicle cab.
Purple: This is an auxiliary wire, and can be used as a 12v power source, or to power a reverse light function if needed. If not, this wire can be tied up.
You will need to install a brake controller to power the electric brakes on your trailer. I recommend the Tekonsha P2 brake controller # 90885 and wiring adapter kit # 3035-P.
Using the brake controller and wiring adapter kit, the controller will be able to plugged into the connector under your vehicle dash, in line with the brake pedal.
If you prefer not to hardwire to equip your vehicle with a 7-way, there is a plug-in 7-way connector available for your 2001 Ford F-150. Replacement OEM wiring harness # 118242 would allow you to easily install a 7-way plug while retaining the use of your OEM 4-way plug.
I have included the installation instructions for the 118242 wiring harness.
Products Referenced in This Question
Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tekonsha
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Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
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 >
40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Circuit Breaker
- 40 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
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