Trailer Wiring
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
From: Mount Vernon, KY
Trailer Wiring
I have a 1996 F-150 5.0 that has the tow package. It came with the 4 flat and I want to know if there a whole new harness for the 7 way. I want trailer brakes and a reverse light would be nice, but not necessary. Also, the current 4 flat has working turn signals and brake lights, but the regular tail lights won't work. Any help on either problem would be extremely appreciated, thank you.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I have a 1996 F-150 5.0 that has the tow package. It came with the 4 flat and I want to know if there a whole new harness for the 7 way. I want trailer brakes and a reverse light would be nice, but not necessary. Also, the current 4 flat has working turn signals and brake lights, but the regular tail lights won't work. Any help on either problem would be extremely appreciated, thank you.
None of this is hard, it just takes some time and patience.
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Elk City, OK
For the non working lights check the fuse box under the hood there should be one for the trailer marker lights. On the seven way there should be extra wires for trailer brakes, reverse lights and a charge wire to charge the battery for the brake away. If you run a wire for the charge wire it is a good idea to connect it to a wire that is only hot when the key switch is on, Have seen campers with lights on drain the batterys on the tow vehicle.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
I'm gonna give you two links that should help. The bad news is if you want trailer brakes you are going to need more than just a harness anyway..you'll need to get a trailer brake controller. It's necessary anyway but also lets you adjust the trailer's brakes from inside the cab according to the load you're hauling. You can get away with a 6 pin connector for that but if you prefer the 7 then fine. The back up lights may be an issue that will take a little more rigging. If you want those...go with the 7 pin and use the extra slot to wire into your backup lights. And does you're trailer have a "breakaway" on it?...if not...then that frees up the pin that would normally charge the battery on the trailer.
As far as your 4 pin problem with the marker lights. Take a test light or multimeter and check "with your light on" between the white wire pin which is ground and the brown wire pin which is parking/marker/tag light. If no power...then trace the brown wire back to see where the break is.
Hope this helps.. Brake Controller Installation on a Full-Size Ford Truck or SUV | etrailer.com and one more link Tow Ready Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury Draw-Tite Accessories and Parts 20260
Good Luck
As far as your 4 pin problem with the marker lights. Take a test light or multimeter and check "with your light on" between the white wire pin which is ground and the brown wire pin which is parking/marker/tag light. If no power...then trace the brown wire back to see where the break is.
Hope this helps.. Brake Controller Installation on a Full-Size Ford Truck or SUV | etrailer.com and one more link Tow Ready Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury Draw-Tite Accessories and Parts 20260
Good Luck
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I'm gonna give you two links that should help. The bad news is if you want trailer brakes you are going to need more than just a harness anyway..you'll need to get a trailer brake controller. It's necessary anyway but also lets you adjust the trailer's brakes from inside the cab according to the load you're hauling. You can get away with a 6 pin connector for that but if you prefer the 7 then fine. The back up lights may be an issue that will take a little more rigging. If you want those...go with the 7 pin and use the extra slot to wire into your backup lights. And does you're trailer have a "breakaway" on it?...if not...then that frees up the pin that would normally charge the battery on the trailer.
As far as your 4 pin problem with the marker lights. Take a test light or multimeter and check "with your light on" between the white wire pin which is ground and the brown wire pin which is parking/marker/tag light. If no power...then trace the brown wire back to see where the break is.
Hope this helps.. Brake Controller Installation on a Full-Size Ford Truck or SUV | etrailer.com and one more link Tow Ready Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury Draw-Tite Accessories and Parts 20260
Good Luck
As far as your 4 pin problem with the marker lights. Take a test light or multimeter and check "with your light on" between the white wire pin which is ground and the brown wire pin which is parking/marker/tag light. If no power...then trace the brown wire back to see where the break is.
Hope this helps.. Brake Controller Installation on a Full-Size Ford Truck or SUV | etrailer.com and one more link Tow Ready Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury Draw-Tite Accessories and Parts 20260
Good Luck
Steve
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
From: Mount Vernon, KY
The brake box isn't an issue. It has the quick connect in the cab and I definitely need the seven pin. The main problem is that the wiring run up beside the body panel without access. It doesn't run along the frame like the newer trucks. I watched a video of the installation of the 7 way that used the flat four and spliced the power and brake wires in and connected the ground to the frame. The thing is that was on the 97-03 model. Can that be done on the 96 model?
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
The brake box isn't an issue. It has the quick connect in the cab and I definitely need the seven pin. The main problem is that the wiring run up beside the body panel without access. It doesn't run along the frame like the newer trucks. I watched a video of the installation of the 7 way that used the flat four and spliced the power and brake wires in and connected the ground to the frame. The thing is that was on the 97-03 model. Can that be done on the 96 model?
Steve
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
If a trailer is of a weight that requires service brakes, a breakaway switch is not an option, it is mandatory. The breakaway is fed by the trailer battery, not by the seven pin. If it depended on the seven pin and the trailer broke free, the breakaway would be of no benefit as it would immediately lose power.
Steve
Steve
Steve
Steve
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
The entire focus of this discussion was on the OP's desire for trailer brakes. As such, the question as to whether there is a break-away makes no sense. if a trailer has electric brakes, it has to have a break away switch and thus a charge lead to the battery. Why on earth ask someone if their trailer will have a break away when the discussion is about what was necessary to have electric brakes? I did read and reread.
Steve
Steve
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 959
Likes: 8
From: Imperial, MO
To the OP: You'll need to run a few wires as already pointed out.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Not necessarily. Some trailers are equipped with electric brakes, even though they aren't required. State laws vary on requirements as well. Your average electric brake equipped 16'-18' car trailer sold here in Missouri doesn't come with a breakaway switch, though it is an option.
To the OP: You'll need to run a few wires as already pointed out.
To the OP: You'll need to run a few wires as already pointed out.
This is what the Missouri Highway Patrol says:
Break-Away Switch
– No Missouri law requirement:
However, Federal
Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations 393.43
paragraph (d) states
every trailer required to
be equipped with brakes
shall be equipped with
brakes of such character as
to be applied automatically
and promptly upon breakaway
from the towing vehicle. Brakes
must maintain application on the
trailer in such case for 15 minutes.However, Federal
Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations 393.43
paragraph (d) states
every trailer required to
be equipped with brakes
shall be equipped with
brakes of such character as
to be applied automatically
and promptly upon breakaway
from the towing vehicle. Brakes
must maintain application on the
Thanks,
Steve
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 959
Likes: 8
From: Imperial, MO
Because...
If the trailer isn't required to have trailer brakes, but it is equipped with electric trailer brakes, it is not required to have a breakaway switch. Like I said, it's a common occurrence around here.
If the trailer isn't required to have trailer brakes, but it is equipped with electric trailer brakes, it is not required to have a breakaway switch. Like I said, it's a common occurrence around here.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Steve
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 959
Likes: 8
From: Imperial, MO
Straight from Missouri Highway Patrol's website:
So even though it isn't required by law to run trailer brakes on your average car hauler, many opt to add them, yet skip adding a breakaway switch.
Trailer Brakes – Trailer brakes are required on trailers coupled by a fifth wheel and kingpin, and on trailers hauling hazardous materials with a gross weight exceeding 3,000 pounds.