Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector
(213 reviews)
Price: $15.13
In Stock
Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector
Item # 118251
Retail:$29.97
Our Price: $15.13
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- Reviews (213)
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- Why etrailer?
Tekonsha Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - 118251
- Custom Fit
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- 4 Flat
- No Converter
- Tekonsha
Please Note: This wiring harness will not work on vehicles with backup sensors!
If your vehicle has the tow package and backup sensors, use Modulite wiring harness 118551. Another option is to turn off the backup sensor with the switch in the car, and hardwire a standard 4-pole connector to the tow package plug in the back of the vehicle.
Tow Ready Tow Package Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness by Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch and Reese
- Provides a 4-pole flat trailer connector for the vehicle
- Quick and Easy
- No Cutting, Splicing or Taping
- Just Plug in the Connector and You're Ready to Tow
- Solid One Piece Construction
- 16 Gauge Bonded Wire w/ 4-Flat Plug
- "Factory" Appearance
- Simple Do-It-Yourself Instructions on Every Package
Can be used with 5-pole, 6-pole or 7-pole adapters.
Installation: The connection point is located underneath the vehicle, behind the rear bumper on the driver's side. Connector will have a protective cap that will need to be removed. The 4-pole trailer connector will be stowed under the vehicle close to the trailer hitch. A mounting bracket is recommended.
Tech Tip: It is always a good idea to apply a small amount of grease to all electrical connections to help prevent corrosion.
- Warning:
- Overloading circuit can cause fires. Do not exceed lower of towing manufacturer rating or:
- Max. stop/turn light: (7.5 amps)
- Max. tail lights: (7.5 amps)
Note: If your vehicle does not have the factory tow prep package, you will need 3 relays (TR38665 - sold separately) to be able to install this wiring harness.
118251 Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2008 - 2012 Ford Escape with factory Tow Package
- 2008 - 2011 Mercury Mariner with factory Tow Package
- 2008 - 2011 Mazda Tribute with factory Tow Package
California residents: click here
Customer Reviews
Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector - 118251
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (213 Customer Reviews)
by: Charles04/13/2022
2009 Ford Escape
Easiest trailer hookup I have ever done and the nice people at etrailer.com shipped my order out right away ! A big thumbs up
by: Chris04/30/2022
2008 Mercury Mariner
A quality product that arrived just when I needed it, excellent installation video that made hooking it up a breeze.
by: Marcus10/10/2021
Good idea, but a lot of extra wires. I can’t say for all Escapes but when I was about to hook this up I found a factory splice point. I’m assuming for a factory towing package. With some simple wiring knowledge, I was able to tap into that, eliminate a bunch of extra wires and disassembly.
by: Walter10/01/2020
Excellent product. Delivered fast and painless. Fits perfectly. Please note the factory will usually leave the required fuses and relays uninstalled even if you have the Tow Package. My 2009 Escape needed 2 mini fuses (1 - 15A and 1 - 20A) and 3 relays to energize the harness. These were available from the auto parts store. Refer to the photos. Photos #1&2- The two pages from the owner's manual that describes the sizes and locations of the fuses and relays. Photo #3- A photo of the fuse box located under the hood (front -left) with the fuses and relays installed. Photo #4- The installed connector.
by: Vincent01/17/2022
Turned out to be the wrong harness but was able to give it to a friend and worked fine for him
by: Matthew07/11/2020
2008 Ford Escape
Simple addition to my 2008 Ford Escape to extend the factory trailer wiring harness from behind the bumper down to my new Drawtite trailer hitch reciever. I was fortunate enough to have the wire harness already installed including the fuses and relays. Might have taken 5 minutes to install and came with 2 zip ties to secure the extra wire. No tools needed.
by: Julia06/09/2022
Doesn’t fit my 2011 Escape with tow pac kage.
Comments
I will have our customer service team reach out to you. There is a possibility that your 2011 Ford Escape does not have a tow package and if that is the case the part # 118551
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
$66.63 would be a fit for you.
-- T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
$66.63 would be a fit for you.
Jenny N - 06/11/2022by: Adam 06/30/2022
Great product it works very well!
by: Bast04/05/2011
2009 Ford Escape
After going to every shop in town (including the dealer), e trailer came through with the part I needed and quick shipping, when no one else even knew what I was talking about. Their product video made it easy to install the part, too! I love this solution and the fact that I didn't have to splice into any break lights.
Note of caution: The pre-wiring in the 2009 Escape is not powered, so you have to buy 3 relays (Ford part # 5L3Z-14N089-AA or package for all 3: 8L8T-15A416-AB). Make sure the relays have connection in your fuse panel first, though (locations 31C, D, and E). My Ford did not come with the OEM tow package, but the relays and this part worked great!
Comments
OK, here is my experience. I have a 2009 Ford Escape that did not have a factory hitch, but had the factory wiring. I looked in the fuse box under the hood and there were not relays in locations 31C, D, and E. I went to two Ford dealers looking for the OE relays and thank goodness they did not have any. I looked further on e trailers website and saw a Relay-4 Terminal 12v TR38665 listed. I ordered three and just plugged them in. Yes, you do need to check to see if you have the corresponding fuses in place - see owners manual. Very happy got three relays for $21 instead of $90 from Ford and I am able to use the factory wiring with the $15 Draw-Tite kit.
-- comment by: Larrry M - 01/09/2013by: Herb M.05/05/2013
2008 Ford Escape
The product was easy to install; exactly as shown in the video. Until I looked on your site I was not aware that the 2008 Ford Escape was tow-ready. I plugged in the wiring harness, installed the three relays under the hood and I was ready to go.
Comments
I do not use the hitch all that often, but when I do, it is great. The original reason I purchased it was to help move my son from Cincinnati, Ohio to Atlanta, Georgia. We rented a trailer, hooked it up, loaded up his stuff, and finished the move. I have no regrets purchasing these items.
Herb M - 06/06/2014by: Bob11/30/2017
Overall the product was delivered in a timely manner and in good condition. The only that was wrong was the box was all damaged. There were holes throughout the box, the box was crushed in certain spots, and the box was taped all over with the product sticking out of the box. When I received the package I expected the box to be in good shape not torn and damage-just lucky the hitch part that was sticking out was not bent
I plan on giving it to my husband as a Christmas gift so he can put a hitch on his vehicle.
Colleen
by: Kevin06/19/2022
Quick and easy to order the right parts
by: Steve05/14/2022
it was real easy to install, just make sure you have the relays to go with it
by: SD. 06/24/2009
2008 Ford Escape
Caution!! Check your Fusebox!!Be very careful with this product, unless your fuse box has the recievers for the relays (which you have to buy extra from FORD!!), it will not work!!
Even tho my 2008 Ford Escape had the wiring harness in back, I had to buy fuses and relays ($23/ea and you need 3 of them), my fusebox was NOT equiped with the recepticles for the relays OR fuses. I have to now go back and buy a different harness.
I just wasted $15 and 2 weeks messing with this one.
Comments
This harness is intended only for Escapes that have the factory tow prep package. Though most Escapes have the port, if they do not have the prep package, the rest of the electrical system may not support the rear port.
-- Patrick B - 11/29/2012by: John G.05/26/2013
2011 Mercury Mariner
Standard shipping was fast and product was as described. Zip ties are a little wimpy and short but worked.
by: Madison08/21/2021
For my car (2008 Ford Escape with factory tow package) it was literally as easy as plugging it in. Clean and easy connection.
by: John02/28/2022
quick delivery as always, i am a repeat customer and will use again when needed
by: Stanley06/16/2019
this product did not meet my needs, it was falsely advertised and did not match my vehicle as claimed. I was forced to purchase a second adapter to complete my installation.
Comments
This particular harness will only work on your 2011 Ford Escape if its equipped with the factory tow package. If it doesnt have the tow package, youll need 118551 instead.
-- Mike L - 06/17/2019
Helpful Linkby: Brian10/25/2020
2008 Mercury Mariner
Excellent service, great accompanying videos. Great value. Never disappointed
Comments
Absolutely great
Brian - 10/27/2021by: Mike R06/12/2014
2008 Ford Escape
Great communication. Received shipping information and delivery schedule with tracking information within a few hours after placing the order. Both the hitch and wiring harness were delivered right on schedule and I installed them both on my own without a lift in a little less than the 40 minutes indicated. Definitely will use etrailer again.
Comments
Fantastic! Exactly as I wanted.
Mike R - 06/12/2015by: Edwin04/20/2021
Installation was easy. The documentation that comes with the harness was detailed and easy to follow.
by: Gerardo 08/08/2021
2008 Ford Escape
Easy to install , and it worked.for my escape 2008. I used it with a Uhaul cargo trailer 5 x 8.
by: Matt C06/09/2011
Overall a good experience, it should list some where that the tow package is required from the factory in order for this harness to work. As all escapes and tributes are wired from the factory, but they don't necessarily have the left turn, right turn and break light relays in the fuse box for towing (fuses 31c,d, and e). E-trailer has a good website, customer service and products though, and I would buy from them again.
Comments
What fuse amps did you put in your fuse box to make the plug work?
-- comment by: Judi - 06/11/2014Comments
It was a while ago, but Im pretty sure they were 5 amp fuses.
-- comment by: Matt C - 06/16/2014by: John08/01/2018
2009 Ford Escape
Clicked right in and worked fine once the additional relays were added to the under-hood fuse box of our Escape. If you didn't order your car with a hitch the required relays may not be installed and power won't flow to this harness. You can get the relays from auto stores, your auto maker, or [on-line].
Comments
The 3 relays you will need to activate the tow package on the 2009 Ford Escape is part # TR38665
Relay - 4 Terminal 12 Volt
$15.94.
-- Relay - 4 Terminal 12 Volt
$15.94.
Heather A - 08/01/2018by: Rob L.03/07/2017
2009 Ford Escape
Have had no issues at all. The molex connector connected directly to the factory harness no modifications required. Only had to obtain the correct relays for the facory fuse/relay box. Relays can be bought at dealer or junkyard.
Comments
Great news, Rob! We also sell relay # TR38665
Relay - 4 Terminal 12 Volt
$15.94 on our site!
-- Relay - 4 Terminal 12 Volt
$15.94 on our site!
Laura E - 03/16/201725
214
Show More Reviews
Ask the Experts about this Tekonsha Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Troubleshooting Running Light Circuit Not Functioning On 4-Way of 2012 Ford EscapeSounds like you have blown the running lights trailer wiring circuit on your 2012 Ford Escape since the rest of the circuits work and you mentioned that your vehicle has the tow package. You will want to check the fuse panel under the hood of your vehicle for the running light trailer wiring fuse and replace it. I also attached a help article on troubleshooting 4-way installs for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Is Vehicle Side 4-Way Trailer Connector Male or FemaleThe Tekonsha vehicle side trailer wiring harness, part # 118251, is the traditional 4-way that is on a vehicle which is the female connector. The trailer side, like is shown in the attached picture, is the male side. Part # 118251 is a custom harness designed to fit the Ford Escape from 2008 to 2012 and the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute from 2008 to 2011.
view full answer...
- Trailer Wiring Harness for 2012 Ford EscapeThe 10 pin connector you mentioned isn't involved with the trailer wiring functions, according to my sources at Tow Ready/Tekonsha. If you do not have the 4 pin connector located behind the bumper fascia on the left side of the vehicle (see video), then you'll need to use the # 118551 wiring harness, which works on vehicles regardless of whether it has the tow package. If you click the provided link, you can see a video showing this harness being installed on a 2012 Ford Escape.
view full answer... - No Power to Trailer Wiring Harness After Installation on a 2009 Ford EscapeTow Ready trailer wiring harness # 118251 is designed to fit a 2009 Ford Escape that came with the factory tow package. It is possible that if yours did not come with the factory tow package the wiring or something else may not be present or fully functional. In addition to the relays though you can check to see if all of the fuses are good and in place. In the event that you cannot get the harness to work then I recommend installing harness # 118551 which was designed for models that...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Factory Trailer Wiring Harness on 2012 Ford EscapeIf you're getting no power at the trailer connector and you've checked all of the fuses the you'll want to test the pins where the wiring harness plugs into the Ford Escape's wiring. This will be under the rear bumper on the driver's side. Follow the wiring from the trailer connector. Once you find this connection unplug it and test the vehicle side. Test and inspect the pins and make sure none are bent or corroded. You'll also want to check the pins on the harness. If everything...
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2008 Mazda Tribute without Factory Tow PackageIf your 2008 Mazda Tribute did not come with the factory tow package then adding the relays would not activate the # 118251 wiring harness. You would need to replace it with # 118551. The ways each of these install is fundamentally different so there isn't a way to transform a 118251 into a 118551. The 118551 harness plugs in line with the vehicle tail lights. I have linked a video showing how it installs.
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2012 Ford Escape that Does Not have the Factory Tow PackageIt sounds like your 2012 Ford Escape did not come with the factory tow package. So instead of using harness 118251 you will need to use # 118551. This is the version for models that did not come with the factory tow package. I have linked a video showing an example installation. The video is on a different vehicle but the installation process is the same.
view full answer... - How to Hardwire a Trailer Connector on a 2008 Mercury MarinerIf you do not wish to retain the factory backup sensors on your 2008 Mercury Mariner then you can use the 4-Pole Hardwire Kit with Circuit Tester part # 18252 instead of the Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector part # 118251. In order to do this you will need to cut off the connector that attaches to the backup sensors and splice the above harness into those connections using the included circuit tester. The backup sensors and tow package wiring are on the same connector....
view full answer... - 4-Pole Wiring Harness Installation in 2008 Ford EscapeThe wiring harness you purchased, Tekonsha # 118251, is intended as an OEM replacement for the factory-installed wiring option on vehicles without a backup sensor. You can confirm whether your Escape has the factory tow package by contacting your local dealership with the car's VIN. If it does not actually have the factory tow package wiring then you'll just need a different 4-pole kit, part # 118551, which works with any version of the car, with or without tow package. This kit installs...
view full answer... - Wiring Harness for a 2009 Mercury Mariner without Factory Installed Trailer HitchYou indicate your Mariner did not come with a hitch. According to Ford's website, that means it is not wired for towing either. Product number 118251 is for vehicles with a towing package, so it will not work for your vehicle. You will need product number 118551, a wiring harness with a 4 pole trailer connector for your Mariner. This wiring harness may be used with 5-pole, 6-pole, or 7-pole adapters. This is a custom fit wiring harness for your Mariner. I will attach a wiring FAQ and...
view full answer... - What Adapter is Needed to fit a 4 Pole Trailer Connector to a 5 Pole Trailer ConnectorYou will need a trailer wiring adapter that changes the 4 pole flat on your Ford Escape into a 5 pole flat. I recommend Adapter 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter # 20036. As for the wiring, the brown wire is the tail/marker, white is ground, yellow is left turn/brake lights, green is right turn/brake lights and blue is reverse electric lock-out. It will splice into the vehicle's reverse light circuit. I have included a video of the installation of an Adapter 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer...
view full answer... - Trailer Turn Signals Do Not Work With Draw-Tite Wiring Harness # 118251 on a 2008 Ford EscapeThe first step I would take is testing the 4-way connector from the Wiring Harness, # 118251, using a circuit tester like part # 40376 without the trailer connected. I have attached a video that shows how you can use the circuit tester to test the connector at the 2 minute and 42 second mark. If you have a signal at the connector, then that will tell you there is a short somewhere in the trailer wiring. You will want to make sure you have good ground connections and check the turn signal...
view full answer... - Testing Tail Light Wiring On a 2012 Ford Escape and Which Wiring Harnesses Will FitYou would need to use a circuit tester like # 40376 if needed to determine the wire functions on the tail lights of your 2012 Ford Escape. This would only be if you are hardwiring in a harness. All of the wiring harnesses for the vehicle are T-Connectors that just plug in line with the vehicle wiring, see link. The wiring harness that you have referenced, # 118251, is designed for vehicles that came with the factory tow package. A dealership can run the VIN to tell you how the vehicle...
view full answer... - Installing Trailer Wiring Harness in 2009 Mercury Mariner Without Factory Tow Package WiringThe trailer wiring harness you reference, Draw-Tite # 118251, is intended for the Mercury Mariner that is equipped with the factory tow package (but will not fit vehicles with backup sensors built into the rear bumper). For your 2009 Mercury Mariner without factory-installed tow package the correct wiring harness is Tow Ready # 118551. This part uses a powered converter that draws its power directly from the vehicle battery. It plugs into your Mariner tail light wiring and requires no...
view full answer... - Where to Find Connector to Install Trailer Wiring for 2012 Ford EscapeIf your 2012 Ford Escape had the factory tow package the correct trailer wiring harness would be the # 118251. The connection point is behind the rear bumper on the driver's side of the vehicle. I attached a picture I took from the install instructions for this kit for you to check out as well.
view full answer...
- Tail Lights Go Dim with Headlights OnGenerally speaking, when a trailer is plugged in and the lights go dim this points to signs of a bad ground. I would first start off by making sure you have the correct trailer connector adapter which should be the Adapter 4 Way Flat to 6 Way Square part # 30104. Once this is checked you then need to move onto the grounds. There can be a ground for each trailer connector and each tail light. I recommend removing each of these, sanding down the surface, and then using new mounting hardware. Please...
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring for 2011 Ford Escape with 8 Pin Trailer WiringThat connector is for a 7-way style connector that you'd only be able to get from a Ford dealer. The # 118251 that you have would not connect to it. Instead we can help you with the part # 118551 which installs by plugging inline with the taillight connectors of your vehicle.
view full answer... - Is The Tekonsha T-One Kit # 118251 A Fit For 2011 Ford Escape Without Tow PackageDo you know if your Escape has the tow package? If not, the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118551 is the correct part. It installs behind the tail light per the included video but there should not be a 10 pin connector as part of the install. I'm thinking that the connector you found isn't for the the trailer wiring but for a different vehicle feature. The Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connectors # 118251 will fit to the 4-Way connector...
view full answer... - 4-Way Trailer Wiring for 2011 Ford Escape without Wiring in Fuse BoxThat does seem odd but it looks like your 2011 Ford Escape left the factory with the 4-way harness installed at the rear of it but without the factory wiring aside from that but we can help with a 4-way kit with the part # 118551 which bypasses all of that to give you an easy to install, functional 4-way.
view full answer... - How to Determine If a 2010 Ford Escape Has the Factory Tow PackageThe easiest way to determine if your 2010 Ford Escape has the factory tow package would be to contact the dealer with your VIN as they would be able to tell you exactly whether or not your vehicle has the factory tow package. Another option for you would be to look for a black square connector which if present will be located underneath the drivers side of the vehicle near the spare tire. I recommend using the Tekonsha Trailer Wiring Harness part # 118551 for vehicles without the factory...
view full answer... - Relay Box of 2011 Ford Escape Does Not Have Slots for Trailer Wiring RelaysSince your 2011 Ford Escape is missing the relay slots in the fuse/relay box your vehicle does not have the factory tow package and would need to use the trailer wiring kit part # 118551 instead which bypasses the factory wiring.
view full answer... - No Metal Pins in Fuse Box for Trailer Towing Relays On 2011 Ford EscapeThe T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # 118551 is a confirmed fit for a 2011 Ford Escape without factory tow package so this is what you'll want to use. The models without factory tow package will still have a plug for the wiring under the bumper but the circuits are not active and there are no terminals in the fuse box to attach the relays. I am not sure why you already have a wiring connector but it could have been done by an old owner who was not aware...
view full answer... - Which Trailer Wiring Harness Will Fit a 2011 Ford Escape LimitedSince your Escape has the back-up sensors, you will need to use the # 118551 modulite, as the # 118251 you referenced is not compatible with models that have the back-up sensors.
view full answer... - How to Determine Which Trailer Wiring Harness is Needed for a 2011 Ford EscapeThere are 2 ways you can check to see if your 2011 Ford Escape has the towing package. First, the definitive way to know most everything about your vehicle is to have the dealer run the VIN number. They will then be able to tell you what equipment your specific Escape has installed. If you determine that you do indeed have the tow package, use the # 118251 harness that plugs into the connector behind the rear bumper at the drivers side frame member. If you do not have the tow package,...
view full answer...
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