Parts Needed for 2005 Ford Ranger to Tow Trailer with Electric Brakes

Updated 04/18/2016 | Published 04/16/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(659)

$58.57

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

(2763)

$160.19

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

(3398)

$119.76

Question:

I have a 2005 Ford Ranger that has trailer wiring for a flat 4 plug. I have a trailer that has brakes, and the round style plug that I want to tow. I know that I will need a trailer brake controller and a plug for the back. I was looking at the Tekonsha 90185 and the Hopkins 4 Pole to 7/4 Pole adapter. I also see that there are some wiring harness kits that speed the installation of the Tekonsha unit by allowing you to plug directly into the vehicle wiring under the dash and then into the back of your controller. Is there a specific part that I need that will fit my truck? I didnt see it listed. Are there any other items I might need for my project?

asked by: Dale B

Expert Reply:

I am happy to help you with the parts needed in order to tow your trailer with electric brakes. You are on the right track with the products that you referenced. Some vehicles allow for custom wiring adapters to install a brake controller, but there is no such wiring harness adapter for your 2005 Ford Ranger. The Ranger does not have a port available under the dash with the functions needed for the brake controller pre-ran. You will want to hardware the installation of the brake controller.

To provide you with the Hopkins 7-Pole and 4-Pole Wiring Adapter as well as all of the additional hardware needed to install the brake controller, I recommend using the # ETBC7 kit. This kit will work with your existing 4-Pole trailer connector. I have attached the installation instructions and an installation video of this kit on a similar Ranger as yours.

The brake controller I recommend for you is the newer model to the Prodigy controller you referenced. I like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885. This controller is a proportional brake controller that will apply your trailer's brakes in proportion to the braking of your Ranger. Some upgrades of this controller from the previous version are compatibility with electric over hydraulic trailer brakes as well as the automatic leveling capability when mounted within a 360-degree vertical range. This controller is featured in the installation video I have linked for you. I have also attached a review video of this controller for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B