Trailer wiring question
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
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From: NC
Trailer wiring question
Does anyone know if the factory ford trailer harness pigtail, the one that goes with the factory tow package is the same for 87-96 or is It wired differently for different years? I plan on getting one from a junkyard and am unsure of what exactly will work. here's some pics of the connectors and harness from the internet (not my images)
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,256
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From: NC
I think the reason why no one else carries it is most trucks with the factory tow package came with the pigtail for the trailer, I imagine the PO took mine off for some reason. Most parts stores do sell the T connector that goes into the taillight circuit, but that puts the addition load on the headlight switch (overloads it), where the tow package has the load on an additional relay, to keep it off the switch.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
I think the reason why no one else carries it is most trucks with the factory tow package came with the pigtail for the trailer, I imagine the PO took mine off for some reason. Most parts stores do sell the T connector that goes into the taillight circuit, but that puts the addition load on the headlight switch (overloads it), where the tow package has the load on an additional relay, to keep it off the switch.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
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From: NC
That is a thought, but I'd prefer to not have to hack off the plug and splice if possible, but if need be, that is a reliable option if I can figure out which wires go where and control what function. They'res actually three different plugs that come out the back of the frame on the drivers side, apparently two smaller ones are for trailer towing and a third larger plug for some accessory, and apparently from reading, diesels only came with it. I really appreciate your help.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
So you have those 2 plugs, like in the first picture, right? If there is any corrosion on them I wouldn't hesitate to eliminate them, it's one more place to lose contact. It will be easy to get the wiring colors, I think there was a post the other day about it.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 4
From: NC
That is a good point, I'll take a closer look at the connectors for corrosion, some ford plugs you can take a pick or hook and remove a red piece in the center and can disassemble them to inspect, clean or replace individual pins and wires. Thanks for the advice.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
.....and to answer your first question, AFAIK, if you find a harness in the JY that will plug into your truck, it will work. I don't know what years had that, but they dont generally change the pin locations on things like that.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I just installed a brake controller and 7-pin connector on my '90.. it was not prewired for this.
Overall it wasn't too difficult, I bought 2 rolls of 12ga wire in black and blue and a roll of 16ga white and some wire loom and a pair of inline fuse holders. I then made a harness to go from the battery to the controller location in the cab and back to the trailer connector, 1 black run all the way from the battery to the trailer connector, 1 black and 1 white run from battery to the controller, 1 blue run from the controller to the trailer connector. The trailer lighting was preexisting using an adapter that inserts in the tail light harness so I just chopped off the 4 pin connector and connected those wire to the 7-pin connector.
Overall it wasn't too difficult, I bought 2 rolls of 12ga wire in black and blue and a roll of 16ga white and some wire loom and a pair of inline fuse holders. I then made a harness to go from the battery to the controller location in the cab and back to the trailer connector, 1 black run all the way from the battery to the trailer connector, 1 black and 1 white run from battery to the controller, 1 blue run from the controller to the trailer connector. The trailer lighting was preexisting using an adapter that inserts in the tail light harness so I just chopped off the 4 pin connector and connected those wire to the 7-pin connector.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: NC
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