Trailer Hitch and Towing Equipment Needed for 2013 Ford E150 Van

Question:

I have an Ford E-150 XLT van without a trailer option and want to tow a 16 utility trailer with tandem axles. The dealer said I will need a 7 way round flat pin. Looking at your website it looks like Ill need a hitch like your Class V Draw-Tite Ultra Frame part number 41945, a 4 pole flat wiring harness part number 118551, and a 4 pole to 7 pole end trailer adapter, couldnt find a part number listed for the adapter. Am I understanding correctly what Ill need?

asked by: Jack M

Expert Reply:

You're certainly on the right track!

The Draw-Tite Class V # 41945 is a fit for your van, as is the # 118551 powered taillight converter you mentioned.

The # 37185 adapter would convert the 4-pin to a 7-way connector, and if the trailer you'll be pulling doesn't have brakes, you're good to go at that point. You'd just need to ground the white wire on the adapter to the van's frame.

If the trailer has brakes, you'll want to install a brake controller. I'd recommend the # TK90160 Tekonsha Primus, which is a reasonably priced proportional brake controller that will provide reliable, safe and predictable trailer braking. To install the controller, you'll also need the # ETBC7 brake controller install kit. The kit includes the wire, hardware and circuit breakers as well as the # 37185 adapter mentioned above.

I've linked to install videos for the hitch, the taillight wiring harness and for the brake controller install.