Best Towing Set Up for a 2010 Ford E-250 Van

Updated 05/17/2022 | Published 05/16/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(277)

$186.20

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(605)

$71.90

Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob

(358)

$13.00

Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob

(733)

$13.00

Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K

(783)

$76.37

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

(3398)

$121.17

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2506)

$190.00

Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(420)

$27.00

Question:

hello im trying to install trailer hitch and trailer brake controller on a 2010 ford e250 w/4.6l. does not have towing package. i have hitch in cart but dont know what all else i need to do complete job. hitch, brake controller, trailer plug, wiring, etc. thank you

asked by: Arthur C

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help you set up your 2010 Ford E-250 for towing. I can confirm that the Curt Trailer Hitch item # 14055 you were looking at will fit your E-250. I have listed the parts below you will need along with installation videos and a diagram I made.

Wiring Harnesses:
Since you do not have a vehicle connector on your Van you will need two separate wiring harnesses the first is the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # 118551. The T-One connector plugs directly into existing wiring to provide you with a 4-flat connector. The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.

Brake Controller:
For your brake controller I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED24FR. The Liberty is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailers brakes when your E-250 decelerates. It also has a unique installation method where the main portion of the brake controller is installed behind your dash and the only visible portion is the control knob.

Since you do not have the tow package you will need the Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED69FR.

We have a couple of other mounting options for the control knob that can go inside inserts in your dash. This will give you a clean factory look install. The Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob item # 331-TPSI-001 which measures 1-1/4 by 1 inch. There is also the option of using the Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob item # 331-TPSI-002 for the more standard knock-out measuring 1-1/4 by 7/8 inch. I have linked a couple diagrams to show you the dimensions of these mounts.

Ball Mount:
To round out your towing setup I recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.