Parts Needed to Add a Pilot Trailer Brake Controller to a 2001 Lincoln LS

Question:

I have a 2001 Lincoln LS and I have an old 14foot camper to tow. I have a pilot electric brake controler that I used on a 97 Chevy Tahoe. My question is can I use this same controler on my Lincoln and since I had to buy a special electric hook-up for the lights from the car to the camper because of some type of power surge unit on the car, will I need anything special to hook this unit up. thank in advance for your time.

asked by: Bob M

Expert Reply:

First, you are going to want to check the owners manual for the 2001 Lincoln LS to determine the towing capacity of the vehicle and not exceed it. After that, you will start with adding a 4-Way trailer wiring harness. It sounds like that is what you already have. The one we carry for your car is # 118373. It is a powered converter that requires a direct connection to the vehicle battery to supply most of the power to the trailer lights.

With the 4-Way installed, you would then need to add a 4 and 7 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This will provide a 7-Way connector at the back of the vehicle and comes with all the wiring you will need to install a brake controller like the Pilot, # 80550.

I have included a link to an FAQ article and a link to a video that explain the installation of an ETBC7. The only other part you will need is a circuit tester like # 3808 if needed. You will not need a special harness for the brake controller. It will be connected to the vehicle battery via a circuit breaker and to the brake switch. The brake switch connection is only to tell the brake controller that you are using the brake pedal.

However, there is a special place you will need to find this connection if the wire at the brake switch does not offer the proper 12 volts. You may need to route a wire from the brake controller red wire back to the wiring harness red wire or where that wire connects according to the instructions.

expert reply by: Michael H