Adding Trailer Light Harness

[TerryC84]

I am in the process of upgrading my 1998 Explorer XLT, and have installed a trailer hitch. (no factory tow package)
I need to connect a harness to allow for lights, but have heard from a few sources that Explorers have a "delicate" wiring system and you cannot just add the harness in the rear, as is generally done.
Has anyone installed an aftermarket harness, and how did they go about it?

 

[KMac]

My '98 doesn't have the "tow package" either, but I had the connector for the plug in wiring harness anyway, possibly because it came with the 4wd pkg. If you crawl under the rear driver's side and look up where the wiring harness goes up near the rear taillight assy, you should see a connector. That's where you plug in the standard add-on wiring harness.

If you don't have it, they sell a kit that has some additional pieces and wiring in it. I believe it is because you can damage the computer if you just tie directly into the taillight wires. I don't know how or why, that's just what they say.