Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 2012 Ford Escape to Use Prodigy RF Brake Controller

Updated 05/03/2016 | Published 04/30/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way

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12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

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$2.01

Hopkins Trailer Wiring Installation Kit

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Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

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Question:

Id like to add a hitch and 7 way connector to my 2012 Ford Escape. What are the best options for wiring ? Id like to use a Tekonsha TK94FR Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control in order to switch between the Escape and a Liberty, Will this 118242 plug and play like it does for the F150?

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

To install a 7-Way trailer connector on your 2012 Ford Escape you will first need to install a 4-Way using # 118551 (since there isn't a plug and play 7-Way options for your 2012 Ford Escape). Then you can install # 37185. Since you will be using the Prodigy RF, # TK94FR, only the lighting functions and the 12 volt circuit will need to work on the 7-Way.

To get the lighting functions to work you just plug the previously installed 4-Way to 37185. Ground the white wire from 37185 to the Escape frame. The purple and blue wires can be capped off and stowed out of the way. The black wire is the only other connection needed. Use about 20 feet of wire # 12-1-1, sold by the foot, and connect it to the black wire on 37185.

Then route the wire under the vehicle, careful to avoid areas that could pinch or burn the wire, all the way up to the battery. In the engine compartment the wire you ran will go to the AUX post on a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540, and then a wire will go from the BAT post on the breaker to the positive battery terminal. I also recommend a wiring kit, # HM51010, for this project.

The Prodigy RF only needs the lighting signals and the 12 volt circuit to work on the 7-Way so once you have completed the installation it will be ready to work with the RF!

expert reply by: Michael H