Recommended Trailer Harness Wiring For 1996 Ford F-250 To Tow Fifth Wheel Trailer
Question:
I am going to be wiring a 1996 Ford F250 for a recently purchased fifth wheel trailer. It has a four-prong flat harness now, but I am unsure if it is in operable condition. Id like to assume that it doesnt work and would like start afresh. Can you tell me what wiring Id need to connect to a 7-prong connection?
asked by: John M
Expert Reply:
There are a few scenarios here. If you have a factory-installed 4-way connector then that makes a difference down the road when installing a brake controller. There may be a brake controller port under the dash on your F-250 and an adapter can be used with a brake controller.
The first thing you want to do is find out if your 4-way connector is operational. If it is working, that may save you some money. You can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 for that. Have someone sit in the cab and run through the functions while you test the pins on the wiring harness.
If you decide to install a new harness I recommend part # 118316. This plugs into the vehicle wiring under the driver side behind the rear wheel on the frame rail. You would just unplug your existing 4-way harness and plug the new one in.
If you are replacing a factory 4-way you will then need part # 37185. This will plug into the 4-way connector and with additional wiring give you the 7-way at the back of your truck. This additional wire may be necessary to connect the 7-Way socket of part # 37185 to the vehicle's tow package wires which are along the rear frame rail.
If the 4-way was not a factory installed harness you will need the 4-way as described above and then you will need part # ETBC7. This installation kit will plug into the 4-way connector on your truck but it also includes circuit breakers, wiring connectors, screws, zip-ties, and a wire loom. This kit includes a circuit tester as well.
For a brake controller I recommend part # 90195. This is our most popular brake controller because it is easy to install and operate. If you have a factory 4-way or 7-way installed on your F-250 you can use a brake controller plug-in adaptor # 3050-P. One end plugs into the back of the brake controller and the other end simply plugs into the brake controller port located under the dash. You can check out the attached link to an installation video for a brake controller. At about the 2 minute mark the video shows where the port for a brake controller is located.
I have attached a drawing that shows how the wiring is run for a brake controller and a 7-way connector you can check out. I have also attached a couple helpful articles you can take a look at.
When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.
If you need a 7-way connector in the bed of your truck for your fifth wheel trailer I recommend part # PK11893-11932. This plugs right into the OEM wiring and gives you a 7-way connector in your truck bed with easier access for the trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- LubriMatic
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Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Nissan and Infiniti
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
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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
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Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Splice-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Multiple Trailers
- Tekonsha
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Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
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Pollak 5th Wheel / Gooseneck T-Connector with 7-Pole - Ford, GM, Dodge, Nissan w/ Factory Plug
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- No Tow Package
- 7 Round - Blade
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Pollak
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- No Converter
- No Tow Package
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Visible
- Tekonsha
more information >
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