I just picked up an 05 expedition xlt with factory tow hitch and 7-pin and 4-pin plugs. Question: I assume there is a factory plug under the dash for trailer brake controller. Is this as easy as purchasing a wiring adapter and then plug in? Does the factory wiring have the necessary 20A circuit breaker? I have a Drawtite Activator that I had on my last rig and am looking to install here.

Jeff

 

Yes, it should be ready to go as far as the cab-end.

 

On our 04 there was a wiring harness in the glove box when new that plugged in under dash by radio.

 

The brake controller should be plug and go no matter what. Ford puts a 30 amp fuse in the big panel under the hood, but it's easily swapped out for a breaker if you want.

If you want the backup lights and trailer battery charge pins to work on the 7-way, you may or may not need to get ahold of two relays. Those are in your power distribution box under the hood as well. When trucks are ordered with the trailer towing package, Ford puts the relays and a brake control pigtail in a little bag in the glovebox. Sometimes the dealer will just pop the relays in right off the bat.

 

Thanks for the information. The pigtail does not appear to be found. Any idea on how I would know if the relays are installed or not? I was going to get an aftermarket pigtail, sounds like I need to check with the parts dept at my local dealer.

Jeff

 

One more question: the hitch on the Exp appears stock and it has the 7-pin and 4-pin plug connectors. Does this mean I have the HD towing package or did that come with all Exp? How do I determine if I have the HD towing package?

 

i have an 03 expy, it's a class 4 hitch. Rate to just ove 8,000 lbs i think.

here is my manual's info:

Your vehicle is equipped with heavy duty trailer tow wiring. An electrical
connector is provided under the instrument panel for installing a
customer-supplied electric brake controller. A Class I (4–pin) electrical
connector and Class II/III/IV (7–pin) electrical connector are provided at
the hitch. These connectors provide power to the trailer for taillamps,
stop and turn lamps, back up lamps, battery charge, electric brakes
(when a customer provided controller is installed) and ground. A kit
containing a wiring harness/adapter and installation instructions to attach
an electric brake controller may be obtained from any Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealer (part number 2L1Z–14A348–AB). Before towing
a trailer, make sure the trailer brakes (if equipped) and lamps are
properly connected and functional. Refer to the brake controller
instructions to check for trailer brake functionality.

 

Thanks for the info. Think I'm good to go. I'll get a harness and try it out this weekend with the trailer.


Anyone have recommendations on where to mount the brake controller?

 

Somewhere semi-level (not completely verticle, not completely flat), within reach, that doesn't block the diagnostic port and doesn't get in the way of your legs.

 

Thanks all. I got a new harness with the appropriate relays/fuses. Looks like its plug and play. Thanks for all the info.