Recommended Hitch and Trailer Wiring for a 1998 Ford E-350 Short Bus
Updated 08/02/2026 | Published 07/27/2026
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Question:
I have a 1998 e350 short bus. I am installing a hitch and need wiring. It doesnt have anything there currently. What product do I want?
asked by: Jake B
Expert Reply:
Hey Jake! To add a hitch and trailer wiring harness to your 1998 Ford e350 short bus, I recommend the Curt Hitch item # C47CR, the 4-Way Upgraded Heavy Duty ModuLite item # # C59496, and the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. Your bus was built on the Ford Econoline E-350 cutaway chassis so there's no custom fit hitch for it. Those chassis don't have the trailer wiring connectors for plug in options either.
The Curt item # C47CR universal hitch includes brackets that weld directly to your Ford's frame. The 2" receiver has a 16,000 lbs towing capacity and a maximum tongue weight of 1,600 lbs. It works with frames up to 44" wide so it'll be perfect for your E-350 chassis. The brackets will give you a 9" drop from your bus's frame.
The 4-Way Upgraded Heavy Duty ModuLite item # # C59496 will connect to the tail light circuits on your bus and provide the lighting signals for the trailer connector. This will add a 4-way connection only.
To add a 7-Way, you will also need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7. The 4-way connector will plug directly into it. You'll then run the 12v wire to the battery, the white to a suitable ground, the blue wire to the back of your brake controller, and the yellow wire to your bus's reverse circuit. The 12v wire and the brake controller wire are each 25' long. If you need longer runs, you'll want to grab a few extra feet of the 10 Gauge Wire item # 10-1-1.
What kind of trailer are you planning on pulling behind your bus?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Class 5 Universal Weld-on Hitch w/ Brackets - 2" Receiver - 44" Wide
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Weld-On
- 18 - 44 Inch Wide
- 1600 lbs TW
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 9 Inch Drop
- CURT
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on Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
