Parts Needed to Install 7-Way and 4-Way on 2016 Ford Explorer Interceptor

Updated 02/26/2026 | Published 02/24/2026

Question:

Hi, I own a 2016 ford police interceptor SUV and it comes with no towing package and harness. Ive seen the the regular explorers have a harness with both 4/5 pin flat connector and the round connector as well. Is there a way to make a custom harness similar to that? Or will i have to splice both of your harnesses together and see if it works? Looking forward to your response.

asked by: Alexis H

Expert Reply:

Hey Alexis, we can definitely help you with this. First thing you'd need is the Curt 4-way kit part # C56172 which installs inline with your taillight harness and provides a 4-way. Now to adapt this to a 7-way you would need the part # 37185 which also has a 4-way on the side of it as well so you get both connector styles.

Does your trailer have brakes?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Alexis H.

2/26/2026

Thank you very much for your recommendations on the reply! I dont have a trailer to tow with yet let alone one with brakes since I am dealing with the harness issue first. Ill be answering with a question though; the trailer brake wire will go where in the car exactly? (This is my first time learning about trailer wiring and theres a good learning curve to this which i am very enthusiastic to learn)

Jameson C.

2/26/2026

@AlexisH With the 37185 you don't have to run the brake output circuit wire anywhere unless your trailer has brakes and then you would run it to a brake controller. Now with that said if the trailer does have brakes there's a version of this adapter that was designed more for wiring in a brake controller with the # ETBC7 and this would be way to go if you do need to operate trailer brakes. Not every trailer with a 7-way has brakes though.