How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2007 Ford Explorer with a 4-Way Factory Connector

Updated 02/15/2013 | Published 02/12/2013

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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

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Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

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Question:

Hi, I am wanting to install this on my 2007 Ford Explorer. In the rear my explorer has a 4 flat plug in. Under my dash I do have what i believe to be the brake controller plug in... I can attach the brake controller to the car, but in the rear how do i get the brakes? In other words how do I hook up the 7 blade, i know i plug the 4 pin in, but where do I run the other 3 wires? Do I have to run them all the way to the front of the explorer? -Thanks

asked by: Brooke S

Expert Reply:

You can use that factory port for the brake controller, however, there is no 7-Way kit available for the 2007 Ford Explorer with factory 4-Way. You will have to find were the blue wire for brakes terminates. From our experience it terminates in a harness behind the driver side wheel well or behind the door. You will need to route a length of wire # 10-1-1 from this point back to the # 37185 blue wire.

The black wire will need to be routed under the vehicle and to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker # PK54540. You can use the same 10-1-1 wire. It will need to be long enough to reach from the 7-Way black wire to the battery. You will need to avoid areas that could pinch or burn the wire.

The white wire grounds to the frame, the purple wire attaches to the reverse light circuit behind one of the tail lights. If the trailer does not have reverse lights, you do not need to connect this wire and it can be taped up and stowed out of the way.

You could also use the 4 and 7 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7, which comes with the 37185 adapter, circuit breakers, and wiring. I have included a link to an FAQ article that should help with the installation. You only need to focus on the parts regarding routing wire from the blue and black wires on the 37185.

expert reply by: Jameson C