Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2005 Ford Escape

Updated 08/14/2017 | Published 08/12/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 48" Harness

(54)

$6.73

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

(27)

$70.87

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

(6)

$77.02

Question:

I purchased a Hopkins vehicle connector # 48035. As i connected it up, it became obvious that this connector would not work properly with the Ford Escape 2005. With only 4 wires on the connector, there is no provision to have both running tail lights and the brake light. In other words, there cant be both runningtail lights and a brake light function. I bought it because it clearly states on the package that it Provides Functions for Left/Right Turn, Brake and Taillight. Please let me know if I am mistaken. I read everything included with the package, and there is no explanation about how the 4 wires can allow for the normal tail light, and a brighter brake light. The left and right signal light wiring was straight forward, and work properly..

asked by: James L

Expert Reply:

Your 2005 Ford Escape has what is called a separate or 3-wire system. This means that it has turn signals and brake lights that are on different circuits. Trailers have what is called a combined or 2-wire system which means the brake lights and turn signals are on the same circuit. In order to have the proper functions from a vehicle side 4-Way you will need a wiring harness that has a converter. The converter takes the separate signals from the vehicle and combines them so that the 4-Way works with the trailer.

For your Escape, models without the factory tow package, you can use Tekonsha wiring harness # 118426, Curt harness # C56345, or Hopkins harness # HM11140465. They all install the same way but I prefer the Tekonsha harnesses because they have proven to be the more reliable option. I have linked a video showing how it installs.

expert reply by: Michael H