Choice of Trailer Wiring Harness for 2013 Ford Explorer  

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Your choice of a trailer wiring harness for your 2013 Ford Explorer will depend on the nature of the wiring on the trailer or trailers you will tow.

Basic trailers, those that have lighting functions only but no trailer brakes and no accessories that require 12V power from the tow vehicle, typically use a 4-pole flat trailer connector. Trailers that have brakes and/or that require 12-volt power most often use an RV-style 7-Way blade-type connector. The linked article on trailer wiring illustrates these different types of connectors.

For a 4-pole application I suggest Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56093. This custom-fit harness plugs in at your tail lights and requires no cutting of your vehicle's wiring. It needs only one additional wire, for 12V power to the harness, to be run up the frame to the engine compartment where it connects to the battery positive terminal through the included fuse. I have linked a video showing installation of this kit in your same vehicle.

If you need to be able to tow both 4-pole- and 7-pole-equipped trailers that have brakes, in addition to the harness you will need a Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers, part # ETBC7. This kit includes everything needed to convert the 4-pole to allow connection of trailers that have either a 4-pole or a 7-pole connector. It also includes the wiring and other components to allow installation of a trailer brake controller and 12V power feed for a trailer. A installation video and article on this kit are provided.

expert reply by: Adam R

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