'05 Explorer Trailer Brake Connection

Hi! I recently replaced my '94 Explorer with an '05. Lots of things I read
say that I can get a Ford wiring harness for my Tekonsha Prodigy and just
plug it right in. I tried it this evening, and I can't find where the
wiring harness plugs into the Explorer. Could anyone enlighten me? I'm
excited to see how the increased torque and horsepower will pull our
trailer. But I also want to make sure it will stop! Oh, and where do most
people mount these things? All I saw under the dash was plastic. The metal
parts are pretty recessed up under the dash. They also looked like
aluminum, not steel. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Richard Minami
'05 Ford Explorer XLT Sport 4x4
'94 Honda Accord LX
'97 Coleman Yukon

Richard Minami wrote:
>
> Hi! I recently replaced my '94 Explorer with an '05. Lots of things I read
> say that I can get a Ford wiring harness for my Tekonsha Prodigy and just
> plug it right in. I tried it this evening, and I can't find where the
> wiring harness plugs into the Explorer. Could anyone enlighten me? I'm
> excited to see how the increased torque and horsepower will pull our
> trailer. But I also want to make sure it will stop! Oh, and where do most
> people mount these things? All I saw under the dash was plastic. The metal
> parts are pretty recessed up under the dash. They also looked like
> aluminum, not steel. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
> Thanks!

Does your Explorer have the Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep
Package?

TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE – CLASS III/IV (53G)
Availability:
• Optional on XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited
• Optional (Fleet only) on XLS and XLS Sport
Includes:
• 3.73 Non-Limited Slip axle
• 7-pin trailer wiring harness and connector; 7-pin to 4-pin
adapter
• Frame-mounted hitch receiver (weight carrying capacity –
5,000 lbs.; weight distributing capacity – 7,160 lbs.

TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE – CLASS III/IV (53G):
Not Available with:
• V6 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T),
Moonroof (439) and Auxiliary Climate Control (67C)
• V8 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T)
and Rear Seat DVD (90C)

If you don't have this package, you won't be pre-wired for
the Trailer Brake Controller.

Regards,

Ed White

Yup, it's got the full trailer towing package. I forwent (is that a word?)
a Honda Pilot, thinking the Explorer would tow better. The lights work when
connected to the trailer. But I just can't find where the connector is for
the trailer brake wiring harness.
Thanks!
Richard


"C. E. White" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Richard Minami wrote:
>>
>> Hi! I recently replaced my '94 Explorer with an '05. Lots of things I
>> read
>> say that I can get a Ford wiring harness for my Tekonsha Prodigy and just
>> plug it right in. I tried it this evening, and I can't find where the
>> wiring harness plugs into the Explorer. Could anyone enlighten me? I'm
>> excited to see how the increased torque and horsepower will pull our
>> trailer. But I also want to make sure it will stop! Oh, and where do
>> most
>> people mount these things? All I saw under the dash was plastic. The
>> metal
>> parts are pretty recessed up under the dash. They also looked like
>> aluminum, not steel. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
>> Thanks!
>
> Does your Explorer have the Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep
> Package?
>
> TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G)
> Availability:
> . Optional on XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited
> . Optional (Fleet only) on XLS and XLS Sport
> Includes:
> . 3.73 Non-Limited Slip axle
> . 7-pin trailer wiring harness and connector; 7-pin to 4-pin
> adapter
> . Frame-mounted hitch receiver (weight carrying capacity -
> 5,000 lbs.; weight distributing capacity - 7,160 lbs.
>
> TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G):
> Not Available with:
> . V6 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T),
> Moonroof (439) and Auxiliary Climate Control (67C)
> . V8 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T)
> and Rear Seat DVD (90C)
>
> If you don't have this package, you won't be pre-wired for
> the Trailer Brake Controller.
>
> Regards,
>
> Ed White

On my 92 it's up underneath and in front of rear bumper on the driver
side. I have to climb underneath to plug the pig-tail in.

"Richard Minami" > wrote in message
...
| Yup, it's got the full trailer towing package. I forwent (is that a
word?)
| a Honda Pilot, thinking the Explorer would tow better. The lights work
when
| connected to the trailer. But I just can't find where the connector is
for
| the trailer brake wiring harness.
| Thanks!
| Richard
|
|
| "C. E. White" > wrote in message
| ...
| >
| >
| > Richard Minami wrote:
| >>
| >> Hi! I recently replaced my '94 Explorer with an '05. Lots of things I
| >> read
| >> say that I can get a Ford wiring harness for my Tekonsha Prodigy and
just
| >> plug it right in. I tried it this evening, and I can't find where the
| >> wiring harness plugs into the Explorer. Could anyone enlighten me?
I'm
| >> excited to see how the increased torque and horsepower will pull our
| >> trailer. But I also want to make sure it will stop! Oh, and where do
| >> most
| >> people mount these things? All I saw under the dash was plastic. The
| >> metal
| >> parts are pretty recessed up under the dash. They also looked like
| >> aluminum, not steel. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
| >> Thanks!
| >
| > Does your Explorer have the Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep
| > Package?
| >
| > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G)
| > Availability:
| > . Optional on XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited
| > . Optional (Fleet only) on XLS and XLS Sport
| > Includes:
| > . 3.73 Non-Limited Slip axle
| > . 7-pin trailer wiring harness and connector; 7-pin to 4-pin
| > adapter
| > . Frame-mounted hitch receiver (weight carrying capacity -
| > 5,000 lbs.; weight distributing capacity - 7,160 lbs.
| >
| > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G):
| > Not Available with:
| > . V6 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T),
| > Moonroof (439) and Auxiliary Climate Control (67C)
| > . V8 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T)
| > and Rear Seat DVD (90C)
| >
| > If you don't have this package, you won't be pre-wired for
| > the Trailer Brake Controller.
| >
| > Regards,
| >
| > Ed White
|
|

Yeah, that's where the pigtail connected on my '94 also. That's all
included in the trailer prep package on the '05s. But I'm still in search
of the connector for the brake controller.
Thanks!
Richard


"John Riggs" > wrote in message
news:1118270998.f2062d8c6d990289f5ec1e963d774258@b ubbanews...
> On my 92 it's up underneath and in front of rear bumper on the driver
> side. I have to climb underneath to plug the pig-tail in.
>
> "Richard Minami" > wrote in message
> ...
> | Yup, it's got the full trailer towing package. I forwent (is that a
> word?)
> | a Honda Pilot, thinking the Explorer would tow better. The lights work
> when
> | connected to the trailer. But I just can't find where the connector is
> for
> | the trailer brake wiring harness.
> | Thanks!
> | Richard
> |
> |
> | "C. E. White" > wrote in message
> | ...
> | >
> | >
> | > Richard Minami wrote:
> | >>
> | >> Hi! I recently replaced my '94 Explorer with an '05. Lots of things
I
> | >> read
> | >> say that I can get a Ford wiring harness for my Tekonsha Prodigy and
> just
> | >> plug it right in. I tried it this evening, and I can't find where
the
> | >> wiring harness plugs into the Explorer. Could anyone enlighten me?
> I'm
> | >> excited to see how the increased torque and horsepower will pull our
> | >> trailer. But I also want to make sure it will stop! Oh, and where
do
> | >> most
> | >> people mount these things? All I saw under the dash was plastic.
The
> | >> metal
> | >> parts are pretty recessed up under the dash. They also looked like
> | >> aluminum, not steel. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
> | >> Thanks!
> | >
> | > Does your Explorer have the Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep
> | > Package?
> | >
> | > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G)
> | > Availability:
> | > . Optional on XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited
> | > . Optional (Fleet only) on XLS and XLS Sport
> | > Includes:
> | > . 3.73 Non-Limited Slip axle
> | > . 7-pin trailer wiring harness and connector; 7-pin to 4-pin
> | > adapter
> | > . Frame-mounted hitch receiver (weight carrying capacity -
> | > 5,000 lbs.; weight distributing capacity - 7,160 lbs.
> | >
> | > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G):
> | > Not Available with:
> | > . V6 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T),
> | > Moonroof (439) and Auxiliary Climate Control (67C)
> | > . V8 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T)
> | > and Rear Seat DVD (90C)
> | >
> | > If you don't have this package, you won't be pre-wired for
> | > the Trailer Brake Controller.
> | >
> | > Regards,
> | >
> | > Ed White
> |
> |
>
>

Oh...the brake controller that would hook under the dash? Good question.
Maybe Jim has an idea on that. An old hand like him ought to know all of
that stuff.

"Richard Minami" > wrote in message
...
| Yeah, that's where the pigtail connected on my '94 also. That's all
| included in the trailer prep package on the '05s. But I'm still in search
| of the connector for the brake controller.
| Thanks!
| Richard
|
|
| "John Riggs" > wrote in message
| news:1118270998.f2062d8c6d990289f5ec1e963d774258@b ubbanews...
| > On my 92 it's up underneath and in front of rear bumper on the
driver
| > side. I have to climb underneath to plug the pig-tail in.
| >
| > "Richard Minami" > wrote in message
| > ...
| > | Yup, it's got the full trailer towing package. I forwent (is that a
| > word?)
| > | a Honda Pilot, thinking the Explorer would tow better. The lights
work
| > when
| > | connected to the trailer. But I just can't find where the connector
is
| > for
| > | the trailer brake wiring harness.
| > | Thanks!
| > | Richard
| > |
| > |
| > | "C. E. White" > wrote in message
| > | ...
| > | >
| > | >
| > | > Richard Minami wrote:
| > | >>
| > | >> Hi! I recently replaced my '94 Explorer with an '05. Lots of
things
| I
| > | >> read
| > | >> say that I can get a Ford wiring harness for my Tekonsha Prodigy
and
| > just
| > | >> plug it right in. I tried it this evening, and I can't find where
| the
| > | >> wiring harness plugs into the Explorer. Could anyone enlighten me?
| > I'm
| > | >> excited to see how the increased torque and horsepower will pull
our
| > | >> trailer. But I also want to make sure it will stop! Oh, and where
| do
| > | >> most
| > | >> people mount these things? All I saw under the dash was plastic.
| The
| > | >> metal
| > | >> parts are pretty recessed up under the dash. They also looked like
| > | >> aluminum, not steel. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
| > | >> Thanks!
| > | >
| > | > Does your Explorer have the Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep
| > | > Package?
| > | >
| > | > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G)
| > | > Availability:
| > | > . Optional on XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited
| > | > . Optional (Fleet only) on XLS and XLS Sport
| > | > Includes:
| > | > . 3.73 Non-Limited Slip axle
| > | > . 7-pin trailer wiring harness and connector; 7-pin to 4-pin
| > | > adapter
| > | > . Frame-mounted hitch receiver (weight carrying capacity -
| > | > 5,000 lbs.; weight distributing capacity - 7,160 lbs.
| > | >
| > | > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G):
| > | > Not Available with:
| > | > . V6 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T),
| > | > Moonroof (439) and Auxiliary Climate Control (67C)
| > | > . V8 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T)
| > | > and Rear Seat DVD (90C)
| > | >
| > | > If you don't have this package, you won't be pre-wired for
| > | > the Trailer Brake Controller.
| > | >
| > | > Regards,
| > | >
| > | > Ed White
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|

From
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...g/15581796.cfm
:

"2005 Ford Explorer with Tow Package: The brake controller
connector is on the passenger side, under the dash, tucked
up behind the glove box. Mine was taped, connector side up,
to another wire so it was not obvious.

"To get the connector to the driver side, thread it through
the small opening on the engine side of the center console
at the floor. (You'll need to move the carpet and rubber
gasket aside on both sides. Shine a light through.) Have
someone help."

Ed


John Riggs wrote:
>
> Oh...the brake controller that would hook under the dash? Good question.
> Maybe Jim has an idea on that. An old hand like him ought to know all of
> that stuff.
>
> "Richard Minami" > wrote in message
> ...
> | Yeah, that's where the pigtail connected on my '94 also. That's all
> | included in the trailer prep package on the '05s. But I'm still in search
> | of the connector for the brake controller.
> | Thanks!
> | Richard
> |
> |
> | "John Riggs" > wrote in message
> | news:1118270998.f2062d8c6d990289f5ec1e963d774258@b ubbanews...
> | > On my 92 it's up underneath and in front of rear bumper on the
> driver
> | > side. I have to climb underneath to plug the pig-tail in.
> | >
> | > "Richard Minami" > wrote in message
> | > ...
> | > | Yup, it's got the full trailer towing package. I forwent (is that a
> | > word?)
> | > | a Honda Pilot, thinking the Explorer would tow better. The lights
> work
> | > when
> | > | connected to the trailer. But I just can't find where the connector
> is
> | > for
> | > | the trailer brake wiring harness.
> | > | Thanks!
> | > | Richard
> | > |
> | > |
> | > | "C. E. White" > wrote in message
> | > | ...
> | > | >
> | > | >
> | > | > Richard Minami wrote:
> | > | >>
> | > | >> Hi! I recently replaced my '94 Explorer with an '05. Lots of
> things
> | I
> | > | >> read
> | > | >> say that I can get a Ford wiring harness for my Tekonsha Prodigy
> and
> | > just
> | > | >> plug it right in. I tried it this evening, and I can't find where
> | the
> | > | >> wiring harness plugs into the Explorer. Could anyone enlighten me?
> | > I'm
> | > | >> excited to see how the increased torque and horsepower will pull
> our
> | > | >> trailer. But I also want to make sure it will stop! Oh, and where
> | do
> | > | >> most
> | > | >> people mount these things? All I saw under the dash was plastic.
> | The
> | > | >> metal
> | > | >> parts are pretty recessed up under the dash. They also looked like
> | > | >> aluminum, not steel. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
> | > | >> Thanks!
> | > | >
> | > | > Does your Explorer have the Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep
> | > | > Package?
> | > | >
> | > | > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G)
> | > | > Availability:
> | > | > . Optional on XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited
> | > | > . Optional (Fleet only) on XLS and XLS Sport
> | > | > Includes:
> | > | > . 3.73 Non-Limited Slip axle
> | > | > . 7-pin trailer wiring harness and connector; 7-pin to 4-pin
> | > | > adapter
> | > | > . Frame-mounted hitch receiver (weight carrying capacity -
> | > | > 5,000 lbs.; weight distributing capacity - 7,160 lbs.
> | > | >
> | > | > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G):
> | > | > Not Available with:
> | > | > . V6 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T),
> | > | > Moonroof (439) and Auxiliary Climate Control (67C)
> | > | > . V8 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T)
> | > | > and Rear Seat DVD (90C)
> | > | >
> | > | > If you don't have this package, you won't be pre-wired for
> | > | > the Trailer Brake Controller.
> | > | >
> | > | > Regards,
> | > | >
> | > | > Ed White
> | > |
> | > |
> | >
> | >
> |
> |

On Wed, 8 Jun 2005 20:20:35 -0700, "Richard Minami"
> wrote:

>Yeah, that's where the pigtail connected on my '94 also. That's all
>included in the trailer prep package on the '05s. But I'm still in search
>of the connector for the brake controller.
>Thanks!
>Richard

Why can't your dealer help with this?

--
Big Bill
Replace "g" with "a"

Thanks! I'll take a look this evening.
Richard


"C. E. White" > wrote in message
...
> From
> http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...g/15581796.cfm
> :
>
> "2005 Ford Explorer with Tow Package: The brake controller
> connector is on the passenger side, under the dash, tucked
> up behind the glove box. Mine was taped, connector side up,
> to another wire so it was not obvious.
>
> "To get the connector to the driver side, thread it through
> the small opening on the engine side of the center console
> at the floor. (You'll need to move the carpet and rubber
> gasket aside on both sides. Shine a light through.) Have
> someone help."
>
> Ed
>
>
> John Riggs wrote:
>>
>> Oh...the brake controller that would hook under the dash? Good
>> question.
>> Maybe Jim has an idea on that. An old hand like him ought to know all of
>> that stuff.
>>
>> "Richard Minami" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> | Yeah, that's where the pigtail connected on my '94 also. That's all
>> | included in the trailer prep package on the '05s. But I'm still in
>> search
>> | of the connector for the brake controller.
>> | Thanks!
>> | Richard
>> |
>> |
>> | "John Riggs" > wrote in message
>> | news:1118270998.f2062d8c6d990289f5ec1e963d774258@b ubbanews...
>> | > On my 92 it's up underneath and in front of rear bumper on the
>> driver
>> | > side. I have to climb underneath to plug the pig-tail in.
>> | >
>> | > "Richard Minami" > wrote in message
>> | > ...
>> | > | Yup, it's got the full trailer towing package. I forwent (is that
>> a
>> | > word?)
>> | > | a Honda Pilot, thinking the Explorer would tow better. The lights
>> work
>> | > when
>> | > | connected to the trailer. But I just can't find where the
>> connector
>> is
>> | > for
>> | > | the trailer brake wiring harness.
>> | > | Thanks!
>> | > | Richard
>> | > |
>> | > |
>> | > | "C. E. White" > wrote in message
>> | > | ...
>> | > | >
>> | > | >
>> | > | > Richard Minami wrote:
>> | > | >>
>> | > | >> Hi! I recently replaced my '94 Explorer with an '05. Lots of
>> things
>> | I
>> | > | >> read
>> | > | >> say that I can get a Ford wiring harness for my Tekonsha Prodigy
>> and
>> | > just
>> | > | >> plug it right in. I tried it this evening, and I can't find
>> where
>> | the
>> | > | >> wiring harness plugs into the Explorer. Could anyone enlighten
>> me?
>> | > I'm
>> | > | >> excited to see how the increased torque and horsepower will pull
>> our
>> | > | >> trailer. But I also want to make sure it will stop! Oh, and
>> where
>> | do
>> | > | >> most
>> | > | >> people mount these things? All I saw under the dash was
>> plastic.
>> | The
>> | > | >> metal
>> | > | >> parts are pretty recessed up under the dash. They also looked
>> like
>> | > | >> aluminum, not steel. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
>> | > | >> Thanks!
>> | > | >
>> | > | > Does your Explorer have the Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep
>> | > | > Package?
>> | > | >
>> | > | > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G)
>> | > | > Availability:
>> | > | > . Optional on XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited
>> | > | > . Optional (Fleet only) on XLS and XLS Sport
>> | > | > Includes:
>> | > | > . 3.73 Non-Limited Slip axle
>> | > | > . 7-pin trailer wiring harness and connector; 7-pin to 4-pin
>> | > | > adapter
>> | > | > . Frame-mounted hitch receiver (weight carrying capacity -
>> | > | > 5,000 lbs.; weight distributing capacity - 7,160 lbs.
>> | > | >
>> | > | > TRAILER TOWING PREP PACKAGE - CLASS III/IV (53G):
>> | > | > Not Available with:
>> | > | > . V6 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T),
>> | > | > Moonroof (439) and Auxiliary Climate Control (67C)
>> | > | > . V8 Eddie Bauer and Limited units with 3rd Row Seat (87T)
>> | > | > and Rear Seat DVD (90C)
>> | > | >
>> | > | > If you don't have this package, you won't be pre-wired for
>> | > | > the Trailer Brake Controller.
>> | > | >
>> | > | > Regards,
>> | > | >
>> | > | > Ed White
>> | > |
>> | > |
>> | >
>> | >
>> |
>> |

It's a long distance call (I'm just cheap!) from work, and I keep forgetting
to call when I get home. My 2 kids always want to play games when I get
home! I did send an e-mail to their service department, but haven't had a
chance to check if they've replied yet. Usenet is so much faster!
Thanks for all the info!
Richard


"Big Bill" > wrote in message
...
> On Wed, 8 Jun 2005 20:20:35 -0700, "Richard Minami"
> > wrote:
>
>>Yeah, that's where the pigtail connected on my '94 also. That's all
>>included in the trailer prep package on the '05s. But I'm still in search
>>of the connector for the brake controller.
>>Thanks!
>>Richard
>
> Why can't your dealer help with this?
>
> --
> Big Bill
> Replace "g" with "a"