Brake Controller Installation on 2008 Ford E250 Van with No Tow Package

Published 10/29/2009

Products Featured in This Question

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(329)

$3.70

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

(1800)

$22.04

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(98)

$9.89

Question:

i am switching from 05 e250 to 08 e250 work van. the 05 came with trailer package that included a 4 pin receptacle for trailer brakes above the differential. the newer 08 did not come with trailer tow pakage, and only has 1 receptacle for turn signals and stop lights. i cant find any other plug in for trailer brakes any where underneath the van, but there is a plug-in under the dash for the brake controler.my question is, are there any wires from under dash to under side of van? does ford not install plug-in, but leave trailer wiring dead-ended some where? sorry for long explanation, any help is appreciated.

asked by: mark w

Expert Reply:

So, the 2008 Ford Van has the 4 pole connector for providing the lighting, but not the 12 volt accessory power or brake output, is that correct?
You will need a 4 to 7-Way Adapter, part # 37185, a length of Jacketed 2 Conductor Brake Wire, part # 10-2-1, a 40 Amp Inline Circuit Breaker, part # 9510 and a Brake Controller Wiring Adapter, part # 3035-P.

Plug the 4 to 7-way adapter into the existing 4 way. Run the wire for the 12 volt accessory lead (if needed) to the positive battery terminal, using the 40 amp inline fuse. Then, run the brake output wire from the trailer connector up to the engine compartment and then through the firewall. You can then mount the brake controller in the desired location. The wiring adapter would wire to the brake controller, color to color with the exception of the blue wire. You will need to attach the blue wire directly to the wire running to the trailer connector that you have run through the firewall, bypassing the wiring adapter.

The blue wire from the port actually runs into the engine compartment, but finding it can be very difficult as its location and wire color can vary from model year to model year. That is why I have recommended you just run your own wire.

expert reply by: Mike L