Low Cost Brake Controller And Wiring For A 2016 Ford Explorer Without Factory Towing Package  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Jan!

We can definitely help you out with a brake controller and wiring for your friend's 2016 Ford Explorer.

To start, you will need a 4-Flat, if there is not one already on the vehicle. For that, the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56172 is plug and play, so it will take no time to get installed. From there, you will need our Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7. This will piggyback off the 4-Flat and includes all the needed wiring to get a brake controller up and running. A couple parts that make this install easier and cleaner are the Curt No-Drill Bracket # C83DR and the Snap Bushing Grommet # SWC8055. I also included a diagram of what you will be doing with the 7-Way upgrade kit as well as an install video for you to check out (it's a different brake controller being installed, but the process will be exactly the same).

For our lowest cost brake controller, you will be looking at the Curt Venturer NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Time Delayed # C74VV. This is an old school style controller that will ramp up the power for as long as the brake pedal is depressed. It works, but it is really not the way I would go. The Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles # C24VV is a proportional controller and will apply the brakes in the trailer to the same amount as the vehicle towing it are applied. It is a little more expensive, but it is a lot easier and comfortable to live with. Either way you go, you will also need to grab the Universal Wiring Adapter for Curt Trailer Brake Controllers # C51515. This plugs into the back of the brake controller and gets hardwired to the end of the # ETBC7 kit after it's run into the cab of the Explorer. Then you mount the bracket that holds the brake controller to the underside of your dash (both come with this bracket), and you are good to go.

If you don't mind spending a little more on the brake controller, the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional # RED52VR would be a much better option than the two Curt controllers. All the wiring I mentioned previously (the 4-Flat and the 7-Way) will be the same, but this only requires one small hole to be drilled into the dash for the knob to mount in (the mounting bracket for the Curt controllers require two screws to be drilled into the dash). Being 6'5" and constantly smacking my knees on the more traditional style controllers (which the Curt controllers are), I very much prefer the Redarc controller. But again, it is more expensive.

What kind of trailer will your friend be towing?

expert reply by: Lazer S

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ETBC7 Wiring Diagram
(click to enlarge)