Wiring and Brake Controller Recommendation for 2013 Ford E 250 Cargo Van

Published 11/11/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.79

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford

(348)

$17.42

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(164)

$47.29

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3397)

$121.25

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

I have a 2013 E 250 cargo van. I am going to get a brake controller and want to make sure I get the right things. I do not have the towing package so I will need a 7 and 4 pin connector, a brake controller and all the wiring. Is there factory wiring in my vehicle or will I have to splice into my wiring? If there is a factory plug under the dash for ground and power where is it located? If no factory wiring which wire in the brake switch will I splice into? I am looking at a Prodigy system. These answers will let me pick the right harness and get it hooked up right.

asked by: Robert B

Expert Reply:

Since your 2013 Ford E 250 Cargo Van is not equipped with a tow package, you would need to start by installing a 4-way connector like the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness, # C56020. This connector plugs directly into your existing wiring with no cutting or splicing required.

Next you will need a 7-way connector. The Universal Installation Kit, # ETBC7, kit includes the wiring and accessories needed to install the 7-way connector and a trailer brake controller in your cargo van.

Last but not least, the brake controller. I recommend going with the Tekonsha Prodigy P3, # 90195. The P3 is a proportional controller which activates immediately and in proportion to the brakes in the van.

When it comes to the wiring for the brake controller, typically if a vehicle is not equipped with a tow package, it will not have a brake controller port up under the dash. In this case you will need to hardwire the wiring harness that is included with the P3. If by chance your van does have the port, the port would most likely be located up under your dash closest to the console on the driver's side. In this case you could use the Plug-In Wiring Adapter, # 3034-P.

To connect to the brake stop light switch in the van, you will need to use a circuit tester like the, # PTW2993, to locate the wire that carries a signal only when the brake pedal is engaged.

I have attached a few videos and an article for you as well as the installation instructions. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to send me an email.