Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector to a 2014 Ford Escape with Factory 4-Way to Use RF Brake Controller

Published 07/16/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy RF Wireless Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w Remote - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional

(324)

$372.12

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

(30)

$2.01

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

(659)

$61.47

Hopkins Trailer Wiring Installation Kit

(7)

$20.37

Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

(49)

$7.40

Question:

I have a 2014 Ford Escape with factory installed towing package and flat4 wire connection. Will the RF unit work with the Escape, and what will I need to install it? Will there be any problems with paring the transmitter to the receiver?

asked by: Mike M

Expert Reply:

In order to use the Prodigy RF # TK94FR you will need to install a 7-Way trailer connector on your 2014 Ford Escape. For that you will need # 37185, a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540, and enough 12 gauge wire, # 12-1-1, to reach from the back of the Escape to the front. The wire is sold in increments of 1 foot. Twenty feet is recommended so you would enter 20 in the quantity box.

The factory 4-Way will plug into the back of # 37185. Then you will ground the white wire to the vehicle frame. The blue wire will not be used. The purple wire is for reverse lights but most trailers do not have reverse lights so you can cap off this wire and the blue wire and stow them out of the way. If the trailer does have reverse lights you would tap that purple wire into a reverse light wire on the Escape.

The RF will need the 12 volt circuit to work on the new 7-Way. Attach one end of the 12 gauge wire to the black wire and route it under the vehicle and up into the engine compartment near the battery. Avoid areas that can pinch or melt the wire. You can use wire ties to hold the wire up to the underside of the vehicle.

Under the hood you will mount the 40 amp circuit breaker near the battery. The wire you ran from the back will need to go to the breaker. Cut off the excess wire and save. Attach the end you ran to the AUX post on the breaker. With the left over wire attach one end to the BAT post and the other end to the positive battery terminal. A wiring kit such as # HM51010 is recommended.

I have included a link to a help article with tips on routing the wire.

We have not heard of any issues pairing the RF on a Ford Escape so it should not be a problem at all.