How to Bypass Smart Tow of 2019 Ford F-150 to Activate 12 Volt Accessory Circuit

Updated 12/26/2019 | Published 12/25/2019

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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$1.61

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

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$9.95

Question:

Attaching a travel trailer works fine - all circuits/lights/brakes/charging work perfectly. But with a simple 2-wire power point adapter REESE 74681....no pins are alive. How do I energize the 7-pin on the bumper without a trailer? I realize a test fixture may show that they are alive...but as soon as I pull it out to the PP adapter they will probably die, wont they?

asked by: Ron S

Expert Reply:

I really wish we had an easy solution, but the smart tow setup of your 2019 Ford F-150 won't allow the 12 volt circuit to be active without an actual trailer connected. That said I do have an option to bypass the factory wiring and give you an active 12 volt power circuit on your 7-way. For that you'd want to run a length of 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 (sold by foot) through a breaker like part # 9510 from the 1:00 pin of your 7-way to the positive battery post in your vehicle and you'd be set.

expert reply by: Jameson C