Activating 7-Way of 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor

Question

Question:

I have a 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor. I need to tow a trailer with a 7pin connection. I have the factory hitch with 7 pin and 4 pin connections. I think my 4 pin is connected to something that I cant see. my 7 pin outlet on the hitch isnt connected to anything. Can you make any recommendations?

asked by: Adrian

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Adrian, it's not uncommon for Police vehicles to be missing random harnesses and features as I have a Tahoe PPV and it's really bizarre some of the things it has and doesn't have. I would look behind the bumper for a harness that could maybe plug into that 7-way but otherwise you would probably just want to get a # 37185 to convert the 4-way to a 7-way and be done with it. Does the trailer have brakes that you need to operate?

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Jameson C.

12/8/2025

Hey Adrian, how did things go with the 4-way to 7-way adapter on your Explorer? Did it give you the connection you needed for your trailer? Your update could make it easier for the next person with a similar setup.

Adrian

2/16/2026

You are 100% right, the wiring situation is bizarre! I found the correct wiring harness to plug in the existing wiring but it still doesn't work. According to AllData, the Civilian and Police variants have different Trailer Modules and it's unclear if the police version has the wiring going to the same trailer module. I am at the point where I either don't want to try to make the factory wiring work, or don't think it's able to be made without major additional costs and work such as swapping modules and running new wires. I'm ready to go full aftermarket with trailer wiring and a trailer brake control. If I can keep the factory 7 pin and 4 pin and just put a new connector on the wiring, that would be great, but if it doesn't work, so be it. What are all the parts I'll need to get?

Jameson C.

2/16/2026

@Adrian for a 4-way you'd want the part # C56093 and then to convert to a 7-way just the part # 37185 and you'd be set. Does your trailer have brakes?

Adrian

2/16/2026

@JamesonC Yes, my trailer has brakes. It's a dual axle enclosed with brakes and battery backup. Thanks for the part numbers. I'll look at those tomorrow.

Jameson C.

2/17/2026

@Adrian Right on! Since you have brakes instead of the 37185 for the 7-way adapter you would want the # ETBC7 and a brake controller like the Redarc Liberty # RED52VR to allow you to control the trailer brakes.

See All (5) Replies to Adrian ∨

Answer 1

I have a super easy brake controller solution for your 2017 Ford Explorer with the Curt Echo brake controller part #C51180 which plugs into an active 7-way and once synced to a smartphone is ready to tow. For an easy to install 7-way kit all you need…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 7

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 8

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 9

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

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Answer 10

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 11

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 12

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Activating 7-Way of 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor

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