Hello,

I just bought a new 2005 E-350 Ext Cargo Van with 6.0 Diesel and installed a Class 3 hitch receiver. Unfortunately the vehicle did not come with a Trailer Tow package, so I'd appreciate anyones help on cheapest place to purchase following tow related items and recommendations for simplest install on:

• brake controller
• seven-pin trailer wiring harness
• flasher relay

Also if I'm only hauling 3500 lbs, do I really need the brake controller and relay?

Thanks,

Jimmy Q

 

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Thanks Mike B.

Please send me wiring diagram for 7pin when you get back. Very much appreciated.

Thanks again,

Jimmy Q

 

OK, I'm still at work. Just 3 more hours to go. I'll try attaching it here but if that doesnt work I send you a hyperlink.

 

I HAVE THE KIT FROM ETRAILER ALSO BUT NO DIRECTIONS COME WITH IT i got mine wired right i think, but would love to see the diagram! the only thing that sucks it the colors dont match up blue is supposed to go to the trailer brakes that is what color comes out of the brake controler and on the 2 other vehicles i have blue is what is in the back at the 7 pin. but etrailers kit has white as the trailer brake wire! confusing really have to think if they are not color coded!

 

http://firefyter_emt.tripod.com/elec.htm

Try the site above. I do have it saved as a PDF and I tried to attach it but it was to big. If you would like a copy or if the link doesnt work just drop me a PM or email with your home email and I'll send you a copy of the digram.

 

Vans are special . If you click on my screen name and "find all posts by al_e._gator" you'll find plenty of info about wiring up 7 pin trailer harnesses on newer vans. If you check under the hood you might find you have the relay already installed, mine was. If not, I'm sure you can get one at most major parts stores. For brake controllers it's always better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it. The best, simple, "budget" controller is the Tekonsha Prodigy for around $100. If you buy it with the prewired harness it's almost plug and play. For about the same price you can get a Jordan Ultima that uses a cable to the brake pedal to determine braking force. My brother in law has one and it works good but it is best for trailers that don't vary in weight alot. For around $300 you can get what many people consider the best controller, a Brakesmart that works off of hydraulic pressure. Brakesmart is usually overkill unless you tow large trailers alot or you find a used one cheap. Hope this helps.

 

If your trailers GVWR is 3000lbs or over, by law in most states you must have electric brakes on at least one axle. If your trailer doesnt' have electric brakes on it, there would be no reason to have an electric brake controller, but if the trailer has electric brakes on it, you must by law (and safety) have electric brake controller.
TonyG

 

Before you buy anything, crawl under the rear of your van. Look along the driver side frame rail. The factory connection for the 7 pin should be attached there. About 1-2 feet back from the bumper. That is if they do the same with vans as the do trucks, everthing is pre wired even if you dont have that option. My truck didn't come factory with the trailer hitch or wiring and a ford guy told me the 7 pin connection was already there.

Grey plug with cover. You could get the ford 7 pin pig tail that runs $120 bucks or get the aftermarket 7 pin pig tail with factory ford conection on it for $20.

Hope this helps

 

DernMooseAk,

It's possible that he already has the wires but unfortunately, like I put in my first post, vans are special. Unlike trucks, not all vans, not even all E350s, come with the harness run to the frame rail. That's why I pointed him to the prevuious posts on this subject in the van forum.