Best Way To Add 7-Way To 2018 Ford F-150
Updated 11/04/2025 | Published 01/28/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
2018 Ford F-150 without original tow package. Wired up the kit without difficulty but the lights are extremely dim, almost impossible to see. Hooked up the trailer to my other truck and the lights are bright like normal. Is this a grounding issue or something else?
asked by: Scott S
Expert Reply:
Hey Scott, thanks for reaching out. So the Curt T-Connector # C56413 you ordered is intended for vehicles with a factory 4-flat connection. It sounds like your 2018 F-150 does not have a factory trailer connector, which explains why the # C56413 is not working correctly. Your vehicle is missing the necessary OEM wiring components to make it work.
If you need to add a 7-way to your truck, it can be done, but you will have to do some wiring. Adding a 4-flat and 7way combo will be the best bet, and for that you can use the following:
- Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 60" Harness and Wire Taps # C58044
- Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7
These two kits contain everything you need to add a 4-flat and 7-way to your truck, including all of the necessary wires for a brake controller, like the Tekonsha P3 # 90195. The videos I linked below will show you an few examples of installation. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- No Converter
- No Tow Package
- 7 Blade
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Visible
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Add 7-Way and 4-Way to 2023 Ford F-150
- Q&A: How to Add a 7-Way Connector to a 2023 Ford F-150 XLT w/out the Towing Package
- Q&A: Where to Connect the Adapter to Install a Curt Brake Controller in a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: 7-Way Trailer Wiring Kit Recommendation for 2018 Ford F-150
- Q&A: 2020 Ford F-150 - Upgrading Factory 4-Flat Connector to 7-Way for Trailer Brakes
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: What Wiring and Brake Controller do I Need for My 2018 Ford F-150 with Factory 4 Flat?
- Q&A: Is a Brake Controller Needed for Trailer with Hydraulic Actuator and Brakes
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2015-2018 Ford F-150
- Article: Which Hitches are Made in the USA
Jesse M.
11/3/2025
Hey Scott, how did things go after switching to the Curt 4-way and the universal 7-way kit for your F-150? Did that clear up the dim light issue you were seeing before? Your update could make it easier for others with the same wiring setup.