Parts Needed to Install Brake Controller on 2012 Ford E-350

Updated 08/14/2018 | Published 08/13/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(49)

$19.49

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford

(348)

$17.42

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

(659)

$61.47

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

Question:

I want to connect a brake controller and 7-pin plug on this van. I have verified a connector is present for the brake controller up behind dashboard as shown in one of your videos. I looked for wires going to the back and can only find this connector that doesnt go anywhere attached. Is this a wiring harness for a trailer or should I look for something else? Thanks

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

It looks like you have found the factory plug on your 2012 Ford E-350 that is used for installing a 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness like the Hopkins # HM11140665. This port is found underneath the van at the rear, inside the driver's side frame rail. Check out the installation video I have attached to verify this is the same port that you located on your Ford Van.

After installing the above 4-Way harness, you can use the Hopkins Adapter # 37185 to convert it to the needed 7-Way connector for your trailer. On your Ford E-350 the brake wire (blue) will need to be manually run from the brake controller back to the plug. You can use 10 gauge wire like # 10-1-1, which is sold by the foot. The brake controller power supply and brake pedal wires should already be run on your vehicle.

Then, since you do have the factory brake controller port beneath the dash of your van, you only need the Plug-In Adapter # 3034-P to complete installation of a brake controller like the excellent Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. One end of the adapter will plug into the brake controller itself and the other end will connect to the built-in port at the dash.