Parts Needed To Add a 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller to a 2023 Ford F-150 XLT w/out a 7-Way  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Bill. Since your 2023 Ford F-150 XLT didn't come with a factory 7-way you'll need two separate wiring harnesses to add one to your truck.

The first one you'll need is a 4-way connector that's going to plug in behind your tail lights. You'll need to choose from one of the following options depending on what style your lights are and if you have backup sensors:

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # C75WR - Incandescent tail lights, no backup sensors

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # C63NR - LED tail lights, works with backup sensors

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # C57NR - LED tail lights, no backup sensors

The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your F-150 with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.

You'll then run the blue wire up to your brake controller, the black wire to your battery, and then find a suitable ground for the white wire.

To add a brake controller, I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness item # RED52VR. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer's brakes when your F-150 decelerates. This the safest and most reliable way to slow your trailer without adding additional stress to your truck and trailer.

The reason the Tow-Pro Liberty is the best option is because of its unique installation method where the only visible portion is the control knob that's about the size of a nickel. The main unit is hidden away inside your dash to be completely out of the way and out of sight. The included universal harness is all you'll need to complete the installation.

I have attached a couple of wiring diagrams below so you can see how to get these parts installed.

What kind of trailer are you going to be pulling?

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expert reply by: Jerred H

1

ETBC7
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RED52VR
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Bill

1/22/2026

So I checked out the truck and it has incandescent bulbs and back up sensors and I also noticed there is a 4 way plug mounted under the bumper. So what kit would you recommend. Bill

Jerred H.

1/22/2026

@Bill That's great! You can completely skip the 4-way wiring harness then. You'll just need the item # ETBC7 to add a 7-way connector. The 2023 F-150's with a 4-way connector don't have a brake controller adapter so you'll still need the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness item # RED52VR.