Parts Needed to Install and Use a Brake Controller on a 2021 Ford Explorer with Factory 7-way

Published 02/03/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1676)

$290.00

Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(183)

$27.00

Question:

I have a 2021 Ford Explorer with a factory installed 7 pin trailer connector. If I purchase a trailer with electric brakes, what needs to be done or installed to use these trailer brakes. Many pickup trucks today come with built in controller but best I can tell I do not have a controller, but maybe I do. Thanks

asked by: David W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your 2021 Ford Explorer has a factory 7-way, you will just need the brake controller to use the brakes on your trailer with electric brakes. Under the dash of your Explorer you should find a factory brake controller port. You can use a brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR and the Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness # RED87FR. The # RED87FR is going to make installation of the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR very simple, the wiring harness will plug into the factory brake controller harness and then the other end will plug into the brake control module of the Elite.

The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR is a proportional controller that is going to take up less space in your Explorer than a traditional brake controller. I have included a video that you can check out, that goes over the features of the Tow-Pro Elite.

expert reply by: Scott S