Parts Needed to Tow Tent Trailer With 2011 Mercury Mariner

Question:

Great information and helpful. Thanks! What do you recommend for an electric trailer brake controller and wiring for 2011 mercury mariner without factory trailer tow?

asked by: Scott C

Expert Reply:

The wiring you will need for your 2011 Mercury Mariner is T-One Harness # 118551, which will give you a 4-way connector. To use that with the 7-way on your tent trailer you would need to use the 4 Pole to 7 Pole Vehicle End Trailer Connector # 30717, which provides connection points for both your vehicle and trailer's plugs. To mount the adapter you may want to use no-drill bracket # C57202 along with Mounting Bracket for 7-Way # 18138.

You can see how to mount this adapter in the video I've linked showing it being installed. I've also added a link to an install of the wiring harness.

For a hitch that fits your 2011 Mariner, I recommend the etrailer # e56AR. This is a Class III hitch that simply bolts on to your vehicle. You can take a look at the installation instruction that I've linked for you. Since you are going to be towing, I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900, which will fulfill your towing needs in one tidy package; a pair of ball mounts to give you the appropriate rise or drop, a 1-7/8” ball, a 2” ball and a pin and clip. I've added a link to a video review of this kit for you to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Scott

9/11/2017

Great information and helpful. Thanks! What do you recommend for an electric trailer brake controller and wiring for 2011 mercury mariner without factory trailer tow?

Kyle S.

9/11/2017

The brake controller I'd highly recommend for you is the Prodigy P2 # 90885. This is a proportional controller, meaning it activates immediately with the same braking action you apply to your Mariner. It also comes with a continuous diagnostic check and safeguards to prevent your trailer's brakes from overheating and defend against possible shorts. To install this, you'd need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 as well as the 4-way I previously mentioned, # 118551. Please keep in mind that the # ETBC7 comes with a 4-pole to 7-pole adapter so you will not need the 4 Pole to 7 Pole Vehicle End Trailer Connector # 30717 that was mentioned in the previous answer. I have added links to video reviews of these products as well as an installation video of the P2 for you to take a look at.