Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller to a 2012 Ford F-150 with Factory 4-Way

Updated 10/22/2013 | Published 10/19/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

(660)

$61.72

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers

(889)

$17.24

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$160.19

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

(3399)

$104.49

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(61)

$13.33

Question:

I have been looking at your website on how to add a 7 blade plug to my 2012 ford f150 that only has a 4 pin plug. So im thinking my truck does not have the tow package? I picked up hopkins plug # 47185 which looks the same as the # 37185 you have shown in your video, is there any difference? I was also hoping you would be able to tell me what wires i can use to splice into under my hood for the trailer brakes, trailer charge and reverse lights, and if there are fuses/relays i will have to add in order to use the factory wires in the wiring harness where your video shows where the blue wire is for the trailer brake control? I didnt want to have to add a 40 amp breaker if i do not have to, and just add the fuses/relays. I ask this because i saw in my manual that i have empty spots in my distribution box under my hood for trailer tow options. Thanks for your help

asked by: David B

Expert Reply:

In order to add a 7-Way trailer connector and brake controller to your 2012 Ford F-150 with the 4-Way flat wiring harness you will need a few items. The first is a 4- to 7-Way adapter, # 37185. It is essentially the same as the 47185 that you mentioned.

You will plug the 4-Way on the truck to the 4-Way on the adapter. The remaining 4 wires must be hardwired in. On a 2012 Ford F-150, this is not as difficult as it is on other vehicles. The white wire grounds to the truck frame. If you follow your wiring harness forward on the truck, it is possible but not a guarantee, that there is another harness it plugs into that continues to the front of the vehicle.

On the forward connector, if you pull back the covering, you will notice there are more wires going in then coming out to the 4-Way. Look for a blue wire and that will connect to the blue wire on the adapter for electric brake output. There should also be an orange wire that will connect to the adapter black wire for 12-volt power. Test the wire with a circuit tester, # PTW2993, to make sure it is the correct wire. I have linked an FAQ that will help with this installation.

The last wire, purple, on the adapter is for reverse lights. If the trailer does not have reverse lights then you can tape of this wire and stow it out of the way. If you do need reverse lights then you will tap into a reverse light wire behind a tail light.

Next you will want to install the missing tow package fuses and relays. You may need to go to a Ford dealer to get the proper parts.

The next item you will need is a brake controller and harness. I recommend the P2, # 90885. This is a popular controller because it is reliable, easy to set up, and easy to use. For a harness you will need # 22292. I have included a link to the installation details and a link to a video showing a typical installation using this harness for you.

In the event that your truck does not have the wires in the forward harness that have the functions as described above then you will need to perform a complete hardwire installation by using # ETBC7 instead of 37185. I have included some links that explain the ETBC7 installation.