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Recommended 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller for a 2017 Ford Transit T250 w/a 4-Way  

Updated 08/23/2026 | Published 08/16/2026

Question:

Looking for a kit for my 2017 Ford Transit T250.. Currently have a 4 flat connector installed. Need to add a brake controller and end up with a 7 pin.. What are the best options? or is there an all-in-one kit? saw the bluetooth controller and would rather a wired one Thx!

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Expert Reply:

Thanks for the information Mike! I have all the parts you'll need to add a 7-way and brake controller to your 2017 Ford Transit T250 but there's no complete kit. I have listed them below:

7-Way Connector - Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7

Brake Controller and Universal Harness - Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty item # RED52VR

Mounting Bracket - No-Drill Bracket for 7-Way item # C57202

The Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller item # ETBC7 includes a 7-way and 4-way trailer connector that mounts at the rear of your Transit with the No-Drill Bracket for 7-Way item # C57202. Also included is all of the wiring and circuit breakers you'll need. This 7-way connector is designed for use on a vehicle like yours with an existing 4-way connector and plugs directly into it to receive the lighting functions. You'll then need to run a power wire to your battery, the blue wire to the brake controller, find a nearby suitable ground, and then the yellow wire to your Transit's reverse circuit.

The No-Drill Bracket for 7-Way item # C57202 comes with a band clamp that will attach to the crosstube of your Transit's hitch. This puts the 7-way at a safe convenient location and doesn't require drilling.

I completely agree with you on going with a wired controller over a Bluetooth one. The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED52VR is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your Transit T250. The Liberty has a unique installation method where the main unit is concealed behind your dash and the only part visible is the control knob. The included universal wiring harness is all you'll need to complete the installation.

I linked a couple of installation videos below, along with wiring diagrams, so you can see how to get these parts installed.

What kind of trailer are you pulling? Feel free to answer this and throw in any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by:
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Jerred H
RED52VR
RED52VR
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ETBC7
ETBC7
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Mike H. profile picture

Mike H.

8/23/2026

I don't have vehicle specific information about your install but I can provide my general opinion. I installed this on a 2019 Colorado. GM provided a pig tail behind the driver's side kick panel for trailer brake control interface. The control unit mounted to an existing stud under the dash. I made a custom mounting plate for the switch and mounted it on the dash. The system worked well and I have no complaints about it. I would purchase this part again if I needed one.

Jerred H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jerred H.

8/23/2026

@MikeH Thanks for the feedback Mike! I appreciate you taking the time to come back and share that. Happy to hear you're liking the Tow-Pro Liberty.
Dave B. profile picture

Dave B.

8/23/2026

I'll add my 2 cents here. I tried a Bluetooth brake controller. When it stays connected, I think they are great. However, I sometimes got a Bluetooth hiccup and while that is tolerable when listen to a song or a call, it is unacceptable (at least for me) when I'm driving down the highway towing a trailer. I would only reccomend a bluetooth controller if you tow Uhaul or something like that every now and then. If you tow something often, like a travel trailer, get a real controller. I went with the Red Arc. I have a 2025 Subaru Ascent and pull a Aliner Expedition trailer. Hooking it up was fairly straight forward. Subaru, like other car manufacturers, provided a controller pig tail under the dash. Find that was the biggest deal. Connecting was straight forward and it did take me an hour or so. The lower left side of my dash had an empty spot for a switch and that is where I put the red arc switch. My only con (and it's a small one) is that sometimes when I get in the car, my knee will push the switch or move the dial a bit. If I'm not towing anything, it's no big deal. If I am towing our trailer, I just need to make sure it is set to 4 (my best setting) before we take off. I always verify the controller is working once the trailer is connected; I'm sure most people do. Overall, I would absolutely purchase it again. Good product, works well, one less thing to worry about when towing.

Jerred H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jerred H.

8/23/2026

@DaveB Thanks for that detailed feedback Dave! I completely agree with you on the Bluetooth brake controller not being the best option for regular towing. Happy to hear you were able to get the Redarc brake controller installed pretty quickly and you're happy with it's performance. Thanks again for coming back and sharing all that information. I really appreciate you taking the time.

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