Factory Trailer Wiring Harness Does Not Work on a 2008 Ford Escape
Updated 09/16/2014 | Published 09/15/2014
Question:
IMy Escape has a factory Hitch and Trailer Plug In but I tried to hook up my trailer and nothing. My brother tested it and figures their was very little juice going to the vehice plug in. He figures I dont have the trailer relay switches or something. I went to to locations and they dont stock them. They all said I have o go to the Ford Dealer and that probally means big money as my brother thinks I need 3 of them? Do I have to get these relay switches or will your Wiring Harness Part 118251 work instead?
asked by: Terry
Expert Reply:
If your 2008 came with the factory tow package but not the relays then the dealer should furnish those and maybe just charge labor to install them. But that is up to the dealer.
Using a replacement harness # 118251 would not help because you would still need the relays and any fuses to make it active, just like on the factory harness.
The other option is to install a wiring harness for models that do not have the factory tow package, # 118551. It plugs in line with the vehicle tail light wiring. I have included a link to a video showing how this harness installs.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Any Fuses or Relays Needed to Install T-One Connector # 118551on 2012 Ford Escape
- Q&A: Will 4 Terminal Relay, # TR38665 Fit a 2008 Ford Escape
- Search Results: 118251
- Shop: Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B
- Shop: Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: The Low-Down on the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter Installation - 2023 Kia Telluride
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
