Installing 7-Way Trailer Connector on 1998 Ford Explorer to Power Interior Trailer Lights  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You can certainly add a 7-way connector to your Explorer.

Assuming that your Explorer has the tow package, you can begin with the # 118241 4-pole harness that you referenced. If you do NOT have the tow package, you will need to use # 118345.

Then, install the # 37185 4-pole to 7-way adapter. The adapter will plug into the 4-pole provided by the # 118241, leaving some remaining wires that might need to be connected. The white wire needs to be grounded to the vehicle frame, and the black wire would be extended with a length of 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 and ran to the positive battery terminal through a 40 amp circuit breaker like part # 9510. If your trailer does not have electric brakes or reverse lights, the remaining purple and blue wire can be bundled up out of the way.

If your trailer does have electric brakes, you will need to install a brake controller to actuate them. The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 is one of our most popular sellers, due to how well it works and easy it is to use. Instead of purchasing the wire, adapter and breaker mentioned above separately, you would instead use our # ETBC7 install kit, which includes the adapter, all wire, hardware, circuit breakers and even zip ties for a neat install. You would still need the # 118241.

The black wire on the adapter powers the 1:00 pin on the trailer connector, so you will need to wire the connector on the trailer so that the circuit for your interior lights corresponds. You will need to install a switch so that the lights can be turned on and off.

I have linked you to our Wiring FAQ page, our Brake Controller FAQ, as well as the install instructions for the # ETBC7, should you need it.

expert reply by: Mike L

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