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.

expert reply by: Michael H