Compatibility of 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2017 Ford F-150

Updated 06/01/2020 | Published 05/28/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(7)

$19.96

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers

(889)

$18.87

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

(660)

$62.08

Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(2159)

$90.04

Question:

I changed my 4 way plug to a 7 way I need trailer brakes I’ve already installed the controller. I spliced into an orange wire and a blue wire just on the other side of the plug where the 4 way comes out it’s located above my spare tire. I have 6 wires now the original 4 from the 4 way plus the 2 I spliced from what I have read I’m missing the reverse lights. My question is do I have to have the reverse lights hooked up to use the 7 way? and if so what wire do I need to splice into? I have a 2017 F-150 xlt with NO factory tow package.

asked by: Edward M

Helpful Expert Reply:

On your 2017 Ford F-150, it sounds like you have an adapter like the Hopkins # 37185. The orange and blue wires you splice into are the power and brake controller output wires. You are correct that the remaining wire is your reverse light signal wire. You do not need to have the reverse light wire for your 7-way trailer connector to work with the other functions, you only need to connect that wire if you want reverse lights, reverse lockout for a surge brake coupler, or a backup camera. Even if you have a camera system it can be wired to the running light circuit to be used as an observation system.

If you determine you want the reverse light circuit, you simply splice into the reverse light power at your tail light. If you need the brake controller for your trailer brakes, you will still need a brake controller like # TK90160 and custom harness # 22292 to get that function of your 7-Way.

expert reply by: Jason S