Finding The Correct Wiring Harness For A 2017 Ford Explorer Base Model

Updated 11/13/2023 | Published 11/11/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(718)

$38.63

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

(466)

$47.33

Question:

I am struggling to find the right harness for my 2017 Explorer base model. I dont need a tee connector, the factory connector just hangs empty. I already tried to buy one elsewhere but it doesnt fit. .

asked by: Doug C

Expert Reply:

It looks like you have already tried installing a wiring harness like the Curt # C56172. The fact that it is not fitting could mean a few things.

Firstly, the factory connector should not be hanging empty. It would be plugged in to the other end and you would have to unplug the factory connector to add in the T-harness. So it is possible you are trying to connect to the wrong plug. I have linked our install video below. If you fast forward to about the 1:20 mark you can see the factory connector on a 2017 Explorer.

From what I could see under your VIN, the base model would not have the factory tow package. It is not 100% clear on this though. So we may want to consider the possibility that you do have a factory tow package, in which case you would be looking for a round plug like on the Curt wiring harness # C55384. It may be worth checking to see if you can find this OEM round connector under the bumper.

The other option is to just bypass all of this and go with a Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness # HM40285, which will plug in behind the tail lights on the driver and passenger side.

expert reply by: Jesse M