Parts Needed to Add a 7-Way and Brake Controller on a 2002 Ford E-350 Cutaway Ambulance

Updated 07/30/2012 | Published 07/27/2012

Products Featured in This Question

ModuLite Installation Wiring Kit

(22)

$19.52

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1815)

$86.66

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

(3448)

$118.16

Question:

I have a 2002 Ford E350 Cutaway Ambulance and I am adding a tow hitch and tow wiring as well as a brake controller. I know I need a custom welded hitch due to the rear box overhang. The truck is wired with basic tow package wiring, however the ambulance box maker utilized the connections where the 7 pin wiring harness would have plugged in. The leads to the brake controller are still available to connect with. My question is - What is the easiest way to restore the wiring for a 7 pin connector? Should I just use a standard T connection like if there was no trailer wiring to begin with and then just run a 4 pin to 7 pin adapter? Or should I just purchase an OEM 7 pin or aftermarket replacement harness and hardwire it in?

asked by: Mike G

Expert Reply:

A lot depends on what the factory 7-Way wiring is being used for. You may not want to tap into it if it is used for critical functions that might overload the circuitry in the event both are used at the same time. What I recommend is what you have suggested and adding a 4-Way to the tail lights, # 118344, provided the tail lights are the same on your cutaway as the regular E series van.

If they are different then I recommend a powered converter, # C59236. This will get the signals for the trailer lights from the vehicle tail lights but gets the power for the trailer lights from the vehicle battery.

You can then add a 4 and 7 way installation kit # ETBC7. This will give you a 7-Way and the wiring to hardwire in a brake controller since the factory 7-Way wiring is being used, you would not want to use the factory port or harness for a brake controller.

This setup will bypass the factory wiring so they will not interfere with one another. I have included some links on an ETBC7 installation for you. For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha P2, because it is easy to set up and easy to use.

expert reply by: Michael H