Towing Wiring Harness

dismania · 04-26-2011, 09:02 AM

I purchased my Explorer XLT with the towing package. I understand that the X is supposed to have all the materials for towing, including the wiring harness. Where would it be located? I cannot seem to find it at all.

Dismania

turtles · 04-26-2011, 10:18 AM

I bought mine with the towing package also. I haven't received my X yet but dealer told me that it doesn't come with the wiring harness but they would install one for a small extra fee

PVC25 · 04-26-2011, 12:37 PM

That is odd. I just checked on the ford site and it says the towing package comes with the following:

Receiver hitch, SelectShift Automatic Transmission, engine oil cooler, tire mobility kit, 4- and 7- pin wiring connections. The picture also shows the wire plug, next to the hitch receiver...

Can anyone confirm this??

drober30 · 04-26-2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PVC25

That is odd. I just checked on the ford site and it says the towing package comes with the following:

Receiver hitch, SelectShift Automatic Transmission, engine oil cooler, tire mobility kit, 4- and 7- pin wiring connections. The picture also shows the wire plug, next to the hitch receiver...

Can anyone confirm this??

Yes, I have removed the plastic decorative cover off an Explorer on the lot and seen the 7-pin and 4-pin connectors.

Trucks/SUV's used to come with a harness for a brake controller but most company's have eliminated that. You now have to buy them through the parts department.

jeeden · 04-26-2011, 12:53 PM

No way should the dealer charge you. It is all ready to go and wired, you just need to plug the pin connector into the socket. Maybe someone can chime in here, but they are usually hidden with the jack. Maybe with the tire mobility kit under the driver's seat.

Worse case you go to advance auto and pick one up for 10 bucks....just the plug and the wire to connect to the trailer from the socket that is.

Explorer nut · 04-26-2011, 01:49 PM

I just checked the the jack under the drivers seat and it has no pin connector.
This should be included as previous year Ex's had them in a plastic bag in the console.

*Sgt1411* · 04-26-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PVC25

That is odd. I just checked on the ford site and it says the towing package comes with the following:

Receiver hitch, SelectShift Automatic Transmission, engine oil cooler, tire mobility kit, 4- and 7- pin wiring connections. The picture also shows the wire plug, next to the hitch receiver...

Can anyone confirm this??

Tow Package also gives you the 26mm Radiator as apposed to the standard 19mm. If you check the Ford parts book it shows two different radiators, with or without Tow Package.

new to ford · 04-26-2011, 02:59 PM

There are two plugs behind the tow cover on the bumper, but I was not able to locate any connector harness that would attach to the plugs, I believe that has to be purchased separate and wired to the trailer.

**JDraper** · 04-26-2011, 03:26 PM

I can absolutely confirm that it does not come with the under dash harness to a brake controller. I looked high and low for it, and my dealer finally got confirmation from Ford that it is not included. There is a plug under the dash to the left of the steering column that is ready to accept a brake controller. I used the harness that came with my '05 F-150 and it works properly.

All the wiring harness's for a flat 4 pin connector are installed, and all the wiring is in place from the round connector in the rear to up under the dash. You just need to add the short adapter from your brake controller to the plug.

jeeden · 04-26-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new to ford

There are two plugs behind the tow cover on the bumper, but I was not able to locate any connector harness that would attach to the plugs, I believe that has to be purchased separate and wired to the trailer.

Might be that you have to purchase it seperately, but it is just a connector, shouldn't need to be wired at all. Generally trailers are left with a connector wired onto them already. You just need to have the connector that joins the truck wiring with the trailer wiring.

You can connect to either the 7 pin or the 4 pin for a regular trailer. The 7 pin accomodates the additional wires needed for anything over the brake, headlight, marker, signal lights.

I'll make note to snag the one out of my 2007 before I trade or sell it.

If your looking to purchase at a good price, advanced auto has a lot of sales right now and tractor supply (if near your area of the country) has lots of trailer equipment cheap, then of course, there is online.

**JDraper** · 04-26-2011, 03:34 PM

If you bought your Explorer with a towing package, and you plan on using a trailer with electric trailer brakes, all you need is the short harness to go from the plug under the dash to your controller. ALL OTHER WIRING IS THERE ALREADY.

If you're towing a trailer that only has a 4 pin connector, just plug the trailer in and go.

Now, if your trailer is missing wiring, that's a different story, but the Explorer's are ready to go.

edcamp · 04-26-2011, 06:41 PM

Does anyone know how to remove the plastic cover over the hitch receiver? Removed both bottom retainer screws - but top of cover won't budge.

Fast40th · 04-26-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edcamp

Does anyone know how to remove the plastic cover over the hitch receiver? Removed both bottom retainer screws - but top of cover won't budge.

Best way to remove cover is to pull it off straight as it sits after removing the 2 screws without bending much. Pick a corner and start pulling from there towards you. It'll come right off. It'll get easier next time.

**JDraper** · 04-26-2011, 07:02 PM

Pull it straight out away from the vehicle. There are about 4 tabs that catch into the bumper.

*boss377* · 04-27-2011, 08:46 AM

The top four tabs don't want to let go, but pull hard at the top edges while keeping the cover vertical. I took a razor blade and trimmed a micro-hair off each of the catch barbs on the four tabs; then touched each tab w/ a tiny bit of silicone grease. It works like velvet now.

jeeden · 04-27-2011, 08:56 AM

Are you guys leaving the screws out when your not towing and the cover is on or are you replacing them each time...seems like it would be nicer to just pull the cover off and not have to pull the screws.

Maybe they are just for shipping?

GTMD · 04-27-2011, 09:10 AM

These "screws' are not meant to be removed.They are really a latch and will not come out of the cover unless you force them. Without this latch,it would probably result in damage or loss of the cover.Read your vehicle manual.

jeeden · 04-27-2011, 07:10 PM

Ok, will do. I don't have my truck yet so I was just going off the mention of screws above

dco43054 · 05-07-2011, 02:50 PM

Picked up my XLT today. Took off the cover and looked at trailer connection. Good setup. Had to be careful when putting the cover back on to get all the tabs engaged.

Have to track down the cable to go from the underdash connector to the controller.

**JDraper** · 05-07-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dco43054

Picked up my XLT today. Took off the cover and looked at trailer connection. Good setup. Had to be careful when putting the cover back on to get all the tabs engaged.

Have to track down the cable to go from the underdash connector to the controller.

If they can't get you one for the '11 Explorer, order one for an '05 F-150..It works perfectly. I'm using the one that came with my SuperCrew.

04-26-2011, 09:02 AM	#1
dismania Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 20 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Towing Wiring Harness I purchased my Explorer XLT with the towing package. I understand that the X is supposed to have all the materials for towing, including the wiring harness. Where would it be located? I cannot seem to find it at all. Dismania

04-26-2011, 03:26 PM	#9
JDraper Elite Garage Builder McVeytown, PA '11 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 15,403 Vehicle Specs	I can absolutely confirm that it does not come with the under dash harness to a brake controller. I looked high and low for it, and my dealer finally got confirmation from Ford that it is not included. There is a plug under the dash to the left of the steering column that is ready to accept a brake controller. I used the harness that came with my '05 F-150 and it works properly. All the wiring harness's for a flat 4 pin connector are installed, and all the wiring is in place from the round connector in the rear to up under the dash. You just need to add the short adapter from your brake controller to the plug. __________________ Moderator..Home Improvement/Explorer 911/2011 Explorer Forum You took my breath away....and now I want it back.... '66 Mustang Coupe, '04 Mustang Mach 1, '08 Focus, '11 Explorer XLT "Ex"plorer's: '92 Sport, '94 Sport, '01 XLS Our Crappy Website

04-26-2011, 03:34 PM	#11
JDraper Elite Garage Builder McVeytown, PA '11 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 15,403 Vehicle Specs	If you bought your Explorer with a towing package, and you plan on using a trailer with electric trailer brakes, all you need is the short harness to go from the plug under the dash to your controller. ALL OTHER WIRING IS THERE ALREADY. If you're towing a trailer that only has a 4 pin connector, just plug the trailer in and go. Now, if your trailer is missing wiring, that's a different story, but the Explorer's are ready to go. __________________ Moderator..Home Improvement/Explorer 911/2011 Explorer Forum You took my breath away....and now I want it back.... '66 Mustang Coupe, '04 Mustang Mach 1, '08 Focus, '11 Explorer XLT "Ex"plorer's: '92 Sport, '94 Sport, '01 XLS Our Crappy Website

04-26-2011, 06:41 PM	#12
edcamp Wannabe Elite Explorer Pittsburgh, Pa 2011 XLT Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs	Hitch Cover Does anyone know how to remove the plastic cover over the hitch receiver? Removed both bottom retainer screws - but top of cover won't budge.

04-26-2011, 07:02 PM	#14
JDraper Elite Garage Builder McVeytown, PA '11 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 15,403 Vehicle Specs	Pull it straight out away from the vehicle. There are about 4 tabs that catch into the bumper. __________________ Moderator..Home Improvement/Explorer 911/2011 Explorer Forum You took my breath away....and now I want it back.... '66 Mustang Coupe, '04 Mustang Mach 1, '08 Focus, '11 Explorer XLT "Ex"plorer's: '92 Sport, '94 Sport, '01 XLS Our Crappy Website

04-26-2011, 10:18 AM	#2
turtles Wannabe Elite Explorer Toronto, Ontario 2011 Explorer Limited Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 12 Vehicle Specs	I bought mine with the towing package also. I haven't received my X yet but dealer told me that it doesn't come with the wiring harness but they would install one for a small extra fee

04-26-2011, 12:37 PM	#3
PVC25 Wannabe Elite Explorer Westlake, Ohio 11 XLT Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 20 Vehicle Specs	That is odd. I just checked on the ford site and it says the towing package comes with the following: Receiver hitch, SelectShift Automatic Transmission, engine oil cooler, tire mobility kit, 4- and 7- pin wiring connections. The picture also shows the wire plug, next to the hitch receiver... Can anyone confirm this??

04-26-2011, 12:53 PM	#5
jeeden Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 285 Vehicle Specs	No way should the dealer charge you. It is all ready to go and wired, you just need to plug the pin connector into the socket. Maybe someone can chime in here, but they are usually hidden with the jack. Maybe with the tire mobility kit under the driver's seat. Worse case you go to advance auto and pick one up for 10 bucks....just the plug and the wire to connect to the trailer from the socket that is.

04-26-2011, 01:49 PM	#6
Explorer nut Wannabe Elite Explorer Chicago IL '05 XLT Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 10 Vehicle Specs	I just checked the the jack under the drivers seat and it has no pin connector. This should be included as previous year Ex's had them in a plastic bag in the console.

04-26-2011, 02:59 PM	#8
new to ford Wannabe Elite Explorer Rochester Hills, MI '11 explorer XLT 202A Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 443 Vehicle Specs	There are two plugs behind the tow cover on the bumper, but I was not able to locate any connector harness that would attach to the plugs, I believe that has to be purchased separate and wired to the trailer.

04-27-2011, 08:46 AM	#15
boss377 Elite Explorer Annandale, Virginia 2011 Limited Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 223 Vehicle Specs	The top four tabs don't want to let go, but pull hard at the top edges while keeping the cover vertical. I took a razor blade and trimmed a micro-hair off each of the catch barbs on the four tabs; then touched each tab w/ a tiny bit of silicone grease. It works like velvet now. __________________ Limited 301A, Silver w/ Black Leather, & Trailer Tow 2006 Mustang GT, but that's a different site!

04-27-2011, 08:56 AM	#16
jeeden Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 285 Vehicle Specs	Are you guys leaving the screws out when your not towing and the cover is on or are you replacing them each time...seems like it would be nicer to just pull the cover off and not have to pull the screws. Maybe they are just for shipping?

04-27-2011, 09:10 AM	#17
GTMD Wannabe Elite Explorer Ohio 2011 LIMITED Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 84 Vehicle Specs	These "screws' are not meant to be removed.They are really a latch and will not come out of the cover unless you force them. Without this latch,it would probably result in damage or loss of the cover.Read your vehicle manual.

04-27-2011, 07:10 PM	#18
jeeden Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 285 Vehicle Specs	Ok, will do. I don't have my truck yet so I was just going off the mention of screws above

05-07-2011, 02:50 PM	#19
dco43054 Wannabe Elite Explorer cmh 02 XLT, 11 XLT Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 564 Vehicle Specs	Picked up my XLT today. Took off the cover and looked at trailer connection. Good setup. Had to be careful when putting the cover back on to get all the tabs engaged. Have to track down the cable to go from the underdash connector to the controller.