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Recommended Towing Package For A 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage Series  

Updated 09/30/2025 | Published 06/13/2022

Question:

What parts do I need to add brake controls to a 2004 ford f150 heritage without factory hitch. Thanks

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Expert Reply:

When it comes to installing a towing package on your 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage Series there is a few things you will need. First the trailer hitch.

If you have a standard bed model Ford or the step side model Ford The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2 inch # 75740 is confirmed for your vehicle.

This trailer hitch has an easy, bolt-on installation with no welding required. It has a black powder coat finish that covers an e-coat base for superior rust protection. The trailer hitch has a maximum gross trailer weight up to 8,000 pounds and has a maximum tongue weight up to 900 pounds. I recommend checking your vehicle's manual to find out what the proper towing capacity is for your vehicle.

Next you will need The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56031 if you have a non Flareside package. This connector plugs into your vehicle's wiring harness which is located behind the rear bumper.

If you have The Flareside package then you need The T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118344.This connector plugs into your vehicle's wiring harness which is located behind the driver's-side and passenger's-side tail lights.

Next you will need The Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7. This harness will attach into the 4-way flat connector above and make it into a 7 round plug and a 4-way plug. There will be 3 additional wires you will need to run to be able to get the brakes and brake controller activated. The wire functions are below:

Black - 12 Volt Hot Lead
Blue - Electric Brake
White - Ground
Yellow - Reverse Lights

Finally I recommend The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 and The Plug in wiring adapter # 3035-p. This proportional brake controller automatically levels when mounted within a 360 degree vertical range. It includes a customizable LCD display, has up to 5 storable settings, and has 3 boost levels. This controller is transferable between vehicles.

I attached an installation video link video below.




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expert reply by:
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Noah E
Loretta profile picture

Loretta

9/29/2025

I'm going in the opposite direction here. My husband bought his used 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage in 2015, and never inquired about that little black box. That thing makes noises and I want to remove it, I have no interest in using it. Besides, other than the noisy box, it has nothing required for towing that you mentioned above. So, what the simple way to put this thing out of my misery?

Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

9/30/2025

@Loretta Hey, Loretta. I'm not 100% sure what black box you may be referring to, especially if your truck isn't equipped with anything else to tow. Would you be able to reply to the email you will get with pictures? Once I get them, I'll be able to see what I can track down for you!

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