Will the Curt T-Connector Wiring for a 2024 Ford Ranger Work Without OEM Tow Package?

Updated 12/17/2025 | Published 09/23/2025

Question:

I am struggling with this. First, your install video and writing says this is a plug and play at the rear without splicing or running. However it looks like the kit has a long loom presumably to send to the front plus another bundle of black wire. The install pdf has a different instruction that you have to run black to the battery and blue through the firewall. The pictures additionally show the red wire which I now assume goes also through the firewall? I have done some research on the 6 gen Ranger forums and it sounds like trucks without the tow package dont have access to the brake light function at the front connector, which maybe explains this rig. However, some trucks like mine are XLs without any connector up front to accept a brake controller. So will this unit send all the necessary wires to the firewall? No, it sends half of them blue and red. So I am wondering if this doesnt even work with no-tow package base models. I thought Ford standardized having the correct wiring up front a few years ago. If your folks have any insight on this, all the better!

asked by: Asa B

2024 Ford Ranger Wiring
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Asa!

I totally see where you're coming from, and I can see why it would be confusing.

The gray plug will plug in at the back of your 2024 Ford Ranger, and then the black wire from the Curt T-Connector # C96GJ will need to draw power directly from your battery. The blue wire can be ran up to the front of your Ranger and attached to a brake controller if you decide to do that.

The red wire is for the reverse light function. The reverse function doesn't always need to be used which is why I'm assuming it wasn't built into the OEM plug.

So, while this is technically a plug-in wiring fitment, if you want the brake controller and reverse light functions you'll have to do some splicing.

I tried to look up the owner's manual for your truck and see if there was anything about the trailer wiring and it seemed like they only address if the truck has the factory tow package.

What I recommend doing is trying to use a circuit tester to see if any of the wires under your driver side dash have the standard brake controller wire functions. I can't quite tell from the photos you sent in, but they'll have the following functions:

Blue - 7-Way Output to Trailer
Black - 12V Power
White - Ground
Red - COLD Side of Stop Light Switch (only gets hot when brake pedal is pressed)

Are you able to test the wiring you found to see if these functions exist?

expert reply by: Jon G

Asa B.

9/25/2025

I see. I haven't gone so far as to poke into any of my vehicle's wiring yet. I am a little wary of creating shorts or other issues but if it's my only option I will take it. On these newer models, do you and your team have experience with splicing being an issue at all? And if not, are there particular methods of connections you recommend over others?

Jon G.

9/25/2025

@AsaB As long as you aren't hacking up wires you'll be just fine. It's only when people start getting in there and start cutting things as opposed to using a prod-style tester, like part # PTW2992, and you're making pokes where you know there won't be any moisture or outside debris getting into it easily then you'll be just fine. You can even patch it up with electrical tape just to make sure. For splicing, butt connectors like the kits # DW05744-5 and # DW05745-5 are going to be really good options. The only thing better is soldering wires together and putting on the protective sleeves, but most people don't opt to go that far when it comes to wiring connections.

Javier M.

12/17/2025

Hello Jon, so I first installed CURT 56431 but my truck has no tow package so it dint work, (ranger 2024) I understand, that using this connector, the only "complicated" thing is to connect the black wire to the battery? I dont need brakes or reverse light,