Adding a Brake Controller to a 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with Factory Tow Package  

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If your trailer has electric brakes then I highly recommend using a brake controller to decrease stopping distances when towing and to reduce wear and tear on the 2017 Ford Explorer's brakes. Your Explorer with tow package should include a 7-Way trailer connector which is needed for electric brakes. But also check the glove box for a Ford brake controller harness which they may or may not have included.

If you do have the factory brake controller harness then the amount of installation time and parts will be minimal. If you do not have the factory harness or if Ford does not have one for the 2017 models then the controller will need to be hardwired to the vehicle.

First, let's say you have the Ford harness. It will be labeled so you know which wires control which functions. On a brake controller the white wire is ground, black is 12 volt power in, blue is output to the trailer brakes, and red is input from the brake switch.

If you do not have the Ford harness or Ford does not have one available for 2017 models yet then you will need some additional wire, # 12-1-1 sold by the foot, and a 30-amp circuit breaker # PK54530. Then to hardwire in the controller you would use the wire to attach to the brake controller white wire to the negative battery terminal, black to the positive terminal via the circuit breaker, blue wire to the back of the 7-Way at the 7 o'clock position, and red to the cold side of the brake switch.

The brake switch is usually located above and/or attached to the brake pedal. Use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to find the wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed and not when the headlights or turn signals are on. Once you find it that is the wire that the brake controller red wire will attach to.

If you need wiring tools and parts I also recommend wiring kit # HM51010. For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable.

expert reply by: Michael H

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