Location of Brake Controller Port for 1998 Ford Van Chassis  

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Expert Reply:

The procedure for installing a brake controller in your 1998 Ford van will depend on what (if any) trailer connector is on the vehicle.

If the van has a factory installed 7-way or 4-way connector, there will be a port under the dash near the center console for installing a brake controller. You will need the brake controller wiring adapter, part # 3015-P. The adapter would wire color for color to the wiring adapter, and would then plug into the port under the dash.

If the van has the 4-way connector, the port under the dash would still be there, but instead of connecting the blue wire from the controller to the adapter, you will need to extend the wire with a length of 12 gauge wire to run to the trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle. You will also need a 4-Way to 6-Way Adapter, part # 37175 or the 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter, part # 37185 depending on which connector the trailer has. If you need a 12 Volt circuit for any trailer accessories, you will also have to run a 12 gauge wire from the trailer connector to the positive battery terminal using a 40 amp inline circuit breaker, part # 9510.

If the van does not have a trailer connector, you will have to hardwire the controller. You will want our Brake Controller Installation Kit, part # ETBC7 which includes the 7-way connector. The installation kit includes all necessary installation hardware. You will also need a T-1 Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 118344 to tap into the vehicle lighting circuits.

I have attached a helpful article on Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch for your reference.

expert reply by: Chris O

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