Installing a Brake Controller on a 1998 Ford F-150 with Factory 4-Way Trailer Connector

Updated 06/29/2010 | Published 06/27/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

(659)

$61.47

Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way

(290)

$84.55

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

(1793)

$18.95

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

Question:

How do I hook the trailor brakes up top a 1998 F-150 with the towing package???

asked by: Mike R

Expert Reply:

If your towing package includes a 4-Flat connector, you will first need to add a 7-Way. For your 1998 Ford F-150, you will need the Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, # 118242. Follow the wires from the 4-Flat towards the front of the vehicle until you find a connection point, usually on the driver side between the rear tires and the end of the truck bed.

There will be more wires going into the connector then coming out. You will disconnect the factory connection and plug in the # 118242. Mount and ground the 7-way and installation is complete. You would then just need to install a brake controller. I have included an FAQ article below on installing a brake controller on your F-150.

I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller # 90885 to be used with wiring harness # 3035-P, as it is easy to use, can be mounted in a 360 vertical range, and works with electric and electric over hydraulic brakes. The connection point is on the driver side, under the dash to the right of the steering column. I have included a link to the installation details below.

If your truck has the towing package with a 7-Way already installed, you will just need to install the brake controller.

I attached an FAQ article on wiring a brake controller up from scratch below that you might find informative also.