Curt Brake Controller Plug for a 2020 Ford Explorer

Updated 08/25/2020 | Published 12/02/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

(412)

$259.95

Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

(274)

$12.90

Question:

2020 Ford Explorer ST with Tow Package. Is there a wiring harness available for the C51170 Brake Controller and my Explorer?

asked by: Michael H

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers part # C51322 will allow you to use a Curt brake controller like the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller part # C51170 on a 2020 Ford Explorer (All Models). I checked with Curt just to confirm that the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers is indeed correct for a 2020 Ford Explorer so you can be confident this is the correct harness.

The plug will be located under the driver dash, near the center console shown as "BH2" in the attached photo.

expert reply by: Conner L

click to enlarge

Charles W.

2/6/2020

I am trying to find the connector under the dash of my 2020 Explorer ST and there is nothing there but a bunch of hard to remove plastic covers. Before I rip these out Id like some confirmation that there is actually a connector there. Have you actually installed a brake controller to a 2020 Ford Explorer ST?

Jacob H.

2/7/2020

The only brake controller that we know for sure fits the 2020 Ford Explorer is the Curt Echo # C51180. This will plug into the 7 way on the back of the vehicle and the brake controller will be operated with your phone. This will give you all of the proper braking and lighting functions to your trailer so that you can travel safely down the road. If you are needing 7 pole wiring on the vehicle I would recommend # ETBC7L.

Ryan S.

8/25/2020

@CharlesW I just finished the install of my Tekonsha P3 brake controller (w/ Ford Prodigy Adapter) on my 2020 Ford Explorer ST. My ST came with the towing package. I can confirm 100% that there is a brake controller underneath the steering column, behind the airbag, and underneath the panel. It is real pain to reach it and just as much of a pain to work with it once it is exposed but I managed to get it after several 4 letter words. The connector is grey strapped in tight and the connection opening faces the passenger side of the vehicle. Please note that initially I thought my Prodigy adapter did not work because the connector on my vehicle already had a female connecter attached. I had to unplug this connector and it plugged right in. Success! Definitely the biggest pain was getting the covers off and getting my head far enough under the dash to see the connector. Good luck!

C W.

2/7/2020

Thanks for the reply. After checking an Explorer forum I was able to locate a plug under the steering column that is used to connect a brake controller. My vehicle is a 2020 Explorer ST. This model includes the class III trailer towing package. The plug will accept the same pigtail as prior models 2019 and earlier. You have to remove the under dash cover. Once this out of the way you can find the connector behind and above the knee air bag more or less under the steering column. It is very hard to see. Mine hadca dummy connector ed. Once that was removed the controller pigtail connector could be ed. The connector is documented in the Ford wiring diagrams.