Activating 7-Way of 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor

Updated 02/23/2026 | Published 11/17/2025

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

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

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 p3 part # 90195 to allow you to control the trailer brakes.