Installing a Brake Controller on a 2003 Ford F-150 Without a Factory Trailer Connector  

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Expert Reply:

I can certainly outline the procedure for hardwiring a brake controller on your 2003 Ford F-150. You will need three things. First, a brake controller. I recommend the Tekonsha P2 Proportional Brake Controller, # 90885. This is one of our best selling and highest rated brake controllers. You will also need the # 3035-P wiring harness specific to your truck. Next, you will need Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole and 4 Pole, # 37185 which will provide you with a 4-Way and 7-way connection at the rear of the vehicle. Last, you will need Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118344.

The first step is connecting harness # 118344. Installation is simple. The T-one connectors plug in line with your vehicles taillights. The attachment point is under the truck; there will be an access hole for the taillight wiring. I have included a link to the instructions below. If you already have a 4-Way on your truck you could just use it and plug it into the back of the adapter.

After you have the 4-Way installed, the next step is to mount and connect the adapter # 37185. The 4-Way you just installed plugs into the 4-Way at the back of the plug. You will then have 3 wires left to run. The white wire is the ground. It can be mounted to the frame or existing ground point. The purple wire is for the reverse lights. You can connect this wire to the wire for your vehicles reverse lights.

The last 2 wires, black and blue, will attach to a harness that is on the frame rail, just behind the drivers side rear tire. You will need to splice in the blue wire on the adapter to the blue wire on the harness BEFORE the plug towards the front of the vehicle. Connect the black wire of the adapter to the orange wire on the harness Before the plug towards the front of the vehicle. I have included an FAQ article on wiring a brake controller for your Ford that shows a picture of where these wires need to go. It is the last picture.

Now there is only one connection left. Connect the wiring adapter that came with the brake controller into the back of the brake controller. Mount the brake controller in a place that is easily accessible.I have included the installation details for this brake controller below. Now plug the other end of the wiring adapter into the port under the dash, slightly to the right of the steering column. Installation is now complete.

expert reply by: Michael H

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