Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector for Trailer Lights Only on a 2013 Ford Escape

Updated 04/04/2017 | Published 04/03/2017

Products Featured in This Question

7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End

(2638)

$43.25

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(313)

$80.29

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

(659)

$61.64

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(25)

$71.07

Question:

When I lookup what trailer wiring is compatible with my 2013 Ford Escape with factory towing package, I only get the following result: Pollak 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket. This bracket has a round plug on the back that I have not been able to located under my Escape. Is there something else I need to make this work? I need the 7-pin for the trailer but do not require the break controller as the trailer does not have breaks.

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

If your 2013 Ford Escape came with the factory tow package then it should have had a trailer connector already with a mating round connector that you would unplug from the factory connector and plug into the back of # HM40975.

If there is no trailer connector present and no wiring harness then a couple of things will need to be installed starting with a 4-Way flat connector # 118566. I have included a link to a video showing an example installation for you.

Then you would need # 37185 to add the 7-Way and retain the 4-Way. Since you only need the light functions to work on the trailer you would only have to plug the newly installed 4-Way into it and ground the white wire to the frame for 37185. The other wires can be capped off and stowed out of the way.

expert reply by: Michael H