Needing to Install a Brake Controller 2017 Ford Explorer with Ford Factory Class 3 Tow Package

Question

Question:

So I have the above vehicle. We are in process of getting a travel trailer 3200lbs which is under the 5000lb towing limit. So we need to get a brake controller. Done LOTS of research on it and I feel as if all I need to do is buy the braker controller from you all and the adapter plug cable and find the plug in the dash above the brake pedal or behind the glove box and plug it in. Is that right? Several videos I have seen on here refer to running a cable from the back of the truck to the compartment and splicing it in. Is that necessary? I just dont want to have to pay a company to install the brake controller if all they are going to do is plug it in. Any help is appreciated.

asked by: Doug D

0

Expert Reply:

If your 2017 Ford Explorer has the factory prep towing package installed, then you might have a brake controller plug-in wiring on the vehicle to connect your brake controller. However, not all models with the tow package had the wiring installed and you might have to install an extra kit.

One way to check would be to see if you have a 7-way trailer connector already installed on the rear of your Explorer. If the 7-way is present, then you should have the prep wiring install to plug in your brake controller. I would contact the dealer with your VIN # to have them check if your Explorer is wired for trailer lights only or if it is wired for lights and a brake controller.

If your dealer tells you that your vehicle has the wiring installed, but you do not have a 7-way connection, then all you would need is T-One Harness, # 118272. This harness will plug in the plus located at the rear of your Explorer. Once installed you will be able to connect to your trailer's 7-way plug to your vehicle.

If you vehicle does not have the wiring for the brake controller included, then you will need the # ETBC7 kit. This kit will allow you to install the 7-way and also run the wiring up to the cab for you to wire in your brake controller. You will also need the T-One Harness # 118540 along with the # ETBC7 kit.

I have linked some articles on installing brake controllers and on the # ETBC7 kit for your to review.

expert reply by: Jared P

0

Butch A.

7/4/2020

I have a 2018 Explorer the plug under the dash does not match the one on the controller. Do you have an adapter for it?

Chris R.

7/8/2020

Yes, if you have a Tekonsha or Draw-Tite controller you can use the Plug-In Adapter # 3035-P. If you have a different brand brake controller just let me know.

Answer 1

There is not a brake controller wiring harness adapter port on your 2017 Ford Explorer. The adapter port was available on previous years of the Ford Explorer but has since been phased out. In order to install a brake controller such as the Tekonsha…

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Answer 2

For your 2012 Ford Explorer with the factory 7-way the harness you need to install a brake controller is the part #3035-P. We had a customer come back with a 2012 Ford Explorer and tell us he found the harness under the dash right next to the hood…

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Answer 3

To check the pins on the vehicle side 7-Way, you can use a circuit tester or the volt meter. The circuit tester will show you if a signal is coming through on the pin you are testing while the volt meter will tell you that and how much voltage is…

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Answer 4

The three most common lug stud sizes for a trailer are 1/2"-20, 9/16"-18, and 5/8"-18. In order to make sure you get the correct lug nuts you need to measure the lug studs on the trailer now as we have no way to look this up for…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 9

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 10

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 11

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 12

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Needing to Install a Brake Controller 2017 Ford Explorer with Ford Factory Class 3 Tow Package

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