What's Needed for Towing a Travel Trailer with a 2014 Ford Explorer

Published 03/09/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector

(27)

$61.89

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 4,000 lbs GTW, 400 lbs TW

(840)

$800.00

Question:

I am trying to figure out what I would need if I am going to tow a travel trailer with a 2014 Ford Explorer with no factory tow package. I am referring to wiring components I have a hitch receiver installed already.

asked by: Brandi

Expert Reply:

We have everything that you need. First off will be the Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way # C56278. This will give you the 7-way plug the travel trailer requires.

Secondly I recommend the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180. This brake controller makes it very simple for you to plug into the 7-way and then will link to your smart phone. It's a great option as it allows you to use with multiple vehicles and trailers and save those profiles in your phone. And don't worry it will default to the last saved profile if you lose your phone or it dies.

Finally I wanted to make sure you consider a good hitch. The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37040ET is one of the best and will make your trips safe. It is doing 2 things for you, first it is helping to distribute the tongue weight evenly across your vehicle. This helps to ensure that the front of your Explorer is not being lifted into the air causing sloppy steering as well as diminishing your breaking on the front wheels. Secondly it reduces the sway that is caused by wind and other vehicles on the road. As the travel trailer wants to move in the wind the Equal-i-zer system puts resistance on the trailer to reduce its side to side movement. This system will help make you feel relaxed while driving and not white knuckled as some say. This particular system is rated for 400 lbs of tongue weight. If your trailers max tongue weight is over this please let me know and I can recommend one that will work best for your application.

expert reply by: Bud M