Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2015 Ford Explorer that Plugs In without Hardwiring

Updated 12/28/2015 | Published 12/27/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector

(28)

$62.87

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3478)

$118.67

Question:

if i install C56278 will i still need a converter because turn light are amber and stop led ? also Ive taped into the reveres light due to serge breaks that has a electric selonid and added back up lights to my trailer. every thing works like it is suppose to but when i tap into the bu wire no lights. also the red light on my 7 way goes out . ive check all grounds and wire for breaks Ive wired to the lights only and they work can you help me.

asked by: Bob W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Trailer wiring harness # C56278 is designed to fit models of the 2015 Ford Explorer that came with the factory connectors under the vehicle to plug in a wiring harness. If your model did not come with them then it cannot be installed.

With or without the factory tow package (but with the connectors for it to plug into) the harness still plugs into the same place on the vehicle but if the wiring on the vehicle is not set up for the missing functions then you should only have the basic lighting functions, turn signals, brake lights, and running lights.

Since the vehicle has a place specifically to plug in a trailer connector a converter is not needed because the signals have already been converted. If you wired a connector up directly to the vehicle tail light wires then you would need a converter. But for this vehicle, there is already a converted source for the trailer lights.

Also, make sure the wires have been attached to the correct places on the back of the 7-Way like in the linked instructions.

The reverse light circuit not working could be a result of either not getting power from the vehicle side connector as described above or there could be too much draw on the circuit. The reverse light circuit in the wiring harness is rated up to 10 amps but if you tapped directly into a vehicle reverse light wire then the vehicle reverse light circuit may not be rated for the additional draw of the trailer reverse lights and solenoid. Switching the lights to LEDs would help since they draw less power than incandescent lights.

If your Explorer did not come with any trailer connector then the recommended way to add a 7-Way is to first install a 4-Way, # 118540, and then a 7-Way using # ETBC7.