No Power To Trailer Tow Charge Circuit In 7-way Connector on 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Updated 05/20/2019 | Published 05/17/2019

Question:

I have read that the trailer charging output only works when there is a trailer detected by the truck. And I have read that the way it detects a trailer is by sensing the trailer brakes. So.....if your trailer has no brakes, how do you get the charging output to come on? Or is it even possible? Or am completely wrong on how this system works?? 2013 F-250 Trailer charging output

asked by: Matt S

Expert Reply:

It is possible for the trailer charging output to activate on the 7-way even if the trailer does not have brakes. Usually on Fords with integrated brake controllers the 12V power circuit is not activated until the trailer is plugged in, the truck's ignition is on and the brake pedal is depressed. You should get a "trailer is now connected" message on the dash in the truck per Ford's tech bulletin.

You may need to check the fuses if you are not getting power to the 12V circuit. I took at look at your owner's manual and it looks like the 25 amp fuse in location 90 of the power distribution box is the trailer tow battery charge fuse. The relay is position 102.

expert reply by: Heather A