Installation of 7-Way Connector on a 1997 Ford F-350

Updated 01/25/2012 | Published 01/21/2012

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Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV Blade-Style Trailer Socket - Vehicle End

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10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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

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40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

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Question:

I need to know the color code on my sons 1997 Ford F 350 Truck to hook up a rv 7 pin connector. Color coding to wire a 7pin rv harness

asked by: Thelia F

Expert Reply:

I am including a link to a FAQ page on trailer wiring. It will show the 7-Way trailer connector functions and the 7-Way vehicle connector functions. At the bottom of the page is a chart that will list the wire colors by vehicle manufacturer. This chart is only a guideline because the vehicle manufacturers can change the wire colors over the years.

I would recommend using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and test the wires for function on your 1997 Ford F-350.

If your F-350 has an existing 4-Way connector installed, you can use the Hopkins Adapter, part # 37185, to install a 7-Way on your vehicle. It will plug into your existing 4-Way and the four remaining wires will need to be hardwired to the corresponding circuits on the vehicle. The white (ground) wire will need to be attached to the vehicle frame, the black (12-volt power) wire is connected to the vehicle's battery with 10-gauge wire like the # 10-1-1, through a 40-amp circuit breaker # 9510, the blue (trailer brake) wire will be connected to the blue trailer brake feed wire on the brake controller, and the purple (auxiliary) wire is for reverse lights if you need that circuit. If any of these connections are not needed just wire tie them up out of the way for future use.

If your F-350 has no trailer connector you can use the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness, part # 118316, to get a 4-Way on your vehicle, then use the adapter # 37185 mentioned above to get the 7-Way installed.

I am including links to the installation instructions and a video of part # 118316 being installed on a 1994 Ford F-150.