How To Install a 7-Way on a 2017 Ford Expedition XLT

Updated 04/01/2019 | Published 03/30/2019

Products Featured in This Question

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(337)

$96.74

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers

(889)

$17.24

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

(2763)

$160.71

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3398)

$119.76

Question:

Would like to install a 7 pin RV connector to tow a travel trailer. Not sure which parts I need to make this happen. Do I also need a brake controller? Thanks for the help

asked by: Adam L

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you already have a 4-way trailer connector on your 2017 Ford Expedition and you need a 7-way trailer connector then I have two options for you. Please note that if the trailer you are towing has a 7-way trailer connector then odds are this is because it has brakes therefore you will need a brake controller as well.

The first option I have for you requires the least amount of modifications to the tow vehicle and it will be the easiest to install. This option entails both the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation part # ETBC7L and the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180. The 7-way will plug into the 4-way you already have installed and will then require that you run a power wire to a bundle of wires on the driver frame rail near the spare tire. There will also be a white wire you need to ground to the frame. The brake controller is wireless so there are no additional connections to make inside the vehicle.

The second option I have for you is a bit more cost effective but this also means that there will need to be more modifications made to the vehicle as well as requiring more work for installation. This option entails both the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation part # ETBC7 and a standard brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885 with the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 22292. This 7-way will also plug into the the 4-way you already have installed but in addition to the power wire that gets ran to a bundle of wires on the driver frame rail near the spare tire, you will also have to run the brake output wire to this location as well as making connections inside the vehicle for the brake controller. The white wire will need to be grounded to the frame as well.

I have attached an install video on the above 7-way for you as well which should help with running the wires.