Recommended Brake Controller and Plug In Adapter for a 2017 Ford Explorer w/ the Factory Tow Package

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Question:

I have 2017 ford explorer limited with factory class 3 tow kit. Want to add electric brake controller but very confused about it. Not sure what I need. The 7 way plug appears to have 7 wires to it. How do I connect your controller to the vehicles existing wiring?

asked by: Larry

0

Expert Reply:

Since your 2017 Ford Explorer has the factory tow package you have a connector located under your dash. You will be able to use the Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item # RED87FR to have a plug and play installation. The connector is located under the dash, above and to the right of where the driver's right knee would be. The connector will be rectangle, grey in color, and can sometimes be taped to another plug concealing it. It won't be plugged into something else. I have attached a picture below that will show you what the connector looks like and where to find it.

For a compatible brake controller, I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED24FR. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer's brakes when your Explorer decelerates. It has a unique installation method where the only visible portion is the control knob that's about the size of a nickel. The main unit is hidden away inside your dash to be completely out of the way and out of sight. It has a 3-Axis accelerometer that measures deceleration in all directions for precise braking and smooth, uniform stopping action.

I have linked a set up video below. The Redarc Adapter item # RED87FR only works with Redarc brake controllers. If your Ford Explorer doesn't have the factory tow package this adapter will not work.

expert reply by: Jerred H

0

2017 Explorer
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Answer 1

The Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness #RED87FR you were looking at is the correct adapter to install the Redarc Tow Pro Elite #RED44FR in your 2002 Ford F-350. I included a video of the #RED87FR for you to take a look at.

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Answer 2

When installing the Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs #AL60821 you were looking at in your 2013 Ford Explorer you will need to unbolt the shock and the sway bar link to allow the spring to decompress enough to get the air helper spring in. In addition…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 6

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 7

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 11

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 12

If your vehicle has a factory brake controller plug, you can simply use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers – Ford, Item #3034-P, which will connect to the vehicle plug and the brake controller. On the new E-450…

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Recommended Brake Controller and Plug In Adapter for a 2017 Ford Explorer w/ the Factory Tow Package

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