Easiest Brake Controller Installation for 2011 Ford Explorer
Updated 03/11/2021 | Published 03/03/2021
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I just bought a hitch for my 2011 ford explorer and a wire harness. Is there a trailer brake controller that works with that car model like a nice plug in thing or is that already in the car as stock. I used to have a thing that had a knob on it to make the brake adjust..
asked by: John P
Expert Reply:
The 2011 Ford Explorer would not have been equipped with a factory installed brake controller, you'll want to install an aftermarket brake controller to actuate the brakes on your trailer.
Assuming you purchased a wiring harness that provides a 4 pole trailer connector like part # 118540, the easiest to install option would be the Curt Echo wireless brake controller, part # C51180. To install the controller, you'll use the # ETBC7L install kit. The Echo plugs inline at the trailer connection at the rear of the vehicle. It communicates with your smart phone, which eliminates most of the necessary wiring. The only wiring run you'll need to make is from the adapter provided with the # ETBC7L kit to the positive battery terminal.
I'll link to some videos that show how the controller and the install kit works.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Video: Installation: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers on a 2013 Ford Explorer
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: 18140
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Search Results: brake controller
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install a Red Arc Brake Controller in a 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: How to Replace a Lance 6-Pin Plug w/ a Standard 7-Way Connector
on Trailer Brake Controller
