2001 Explorer trailer wiring

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Mar 6, 2001 | 03:10 PM

2001ford

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2001 Explorer trailer wiring

I need help with the trailer wiring on my 2001 explorer. Nobody, even the dealers can tell me the right answers. I want to tow a class I trailer with a four flat connector. Ford sold me an adapter that plugs into the wiring harness under the rear bumper on the left(I do not have a tow package). Aftermarket wiring, includes a unit you need to supply power to to isolate the trailer from the harness. I have been told that if I use the pigtail that Ford sold me I will blow my dash. Can anyone tell me what needs to be done? What does the wiring part of the ford tow package consist of other that the pigtail and maybe a heavy duty flasher???

Mar 9, 2001 | 02:51 PM

winfordr

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Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Rural Florida Panhandle

2001 Explorer trailer wiring

Mine is a 1998, but assuming they are the same, The adapter enables you to use the combined brake/turn signals on your trailer. The explorer has them separate, therefore some logic has to be implemented to prevent the brake signal from overriding the turn signal. In the older explorers like my 1991, the lights were combined, so there was no problem.

The towing package would add a relay to the brake signal so the power is adequate to operate electric brakes. You should not have a problem with just adding your trailer to the existing system if you upgrade or insure that you already have a heavy duty flasher. The worst that will happen is that you will blow a fuse, so I would make sure I had a spare or two before I started.

Winford