Installing towing wiring...

[azthermal1]

I have a 2000 explorer xlt. I am going to be towing a small popup camper. I have installed the ball with no issue, but I need to install the wiring plug for the camper lights. My explorer doesn't have a tow package, so I have to tap into the wiring withing the jack space (rear left compartment). What I need to know is the color codes of the wires leading to my rear lights so I can tap into the right ones. Anyone have the codes?

Amanda

 

[hostile413]

i dont know if this helps or not, but heres a link, if you scroll to the bottom it shows what the wire colors are. you might be able to buy a plug that you simply unplug your factory wiring harness, then plug the one you can buy into the factory wiring. hopefully this helps
http://www.etrailer.com/faq/wiring.asp

the picture is all the way at the bottom

 

[ThunderB]

search for "thunderb" and one of my posts listing the part # of the 4 flat pigtail should come up. It was only about $12 and plugged right into the plug under my rear bumper. No need to cut wires.

edit: Here's the link:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126483&highlight=tow+wiring

 

[Lee S.]

Amanda:

First you need to make sure that your X does not have existing trailer wiring already. If it does then all you'll need is the pigtail to connect to the existing wiring as ThunderB suggests. If that is the case this is what you'll need:

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/m...tore_Code=E&Product_Code=18241&Category_Code=

The way to determine this is to get on your back and look directly up from underneath in the area of the rear drivers side tail light. If your X has the trailer wiring already, you will see a round connector with a plastic cap in it. All you'll need to do is to remove the plastic cap and connect the round part of the pigtaill to it. If you scroll down on the above link there is a picture of what you are looking for. As the link says, these connectors are not always in the same spot although most I've heard of are by the tailight. So you may have to look around for it to be sure.

If you do not find the round connector then maybe you X does not have the existing wiring. If this is the case then I believe you'll have to install new wiring or perhaps tap off the rear brake light wire. Sorry, I won't be able to help you with this but others have done it and I'm sure if do a search on trailer wiring you find all the info you'll need.

 

[Camper69]

Hi gang, I have a 95 explorer. Getting ready to buy a used pop-up camper and trying to get ready. I am having a buddy install a hitch and need to know what kind of waring adapter i need. I am including a picture of the gray round plug behind the drivers side rear tail light. Is this the plug that we need to tap into? If so, do I need to get the 50 dollar wiring kit or will i be able to find a 4 pin adapter cheaper? If so any suggestions on name and where to buy?

Thx

 

[Camper69]

I have not looked under the passenger side...someone said there might be another adapter there that would not need to be upgraded? Anyone?

 

[Joe Dirt]

On my '95, the adapter was almost directly below the license plate behind the bumper. That harness you're showing runs the plate lights, and has another plug in the middle for the trailer light harness. You can just get the harness and plug into it.

This was where mine was:

This is the jumper harness you plug into it.

If you don't have one, Hoppy sells them for like $15, or you can find them on eBay sometimes. Don't get the ridiculous wiring kit that you hook to all of the lights, it's not needed.

 

[Glen4X4]

You may not have the wiring, if you do not see a pig tail to plug into. Neither my 95 or 96 Explorer had one and had to buy the $50.00 wiring kit but is a breeze to install.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

I can assure you the 2000 XLT has the plug. There is one on each side of the truck in the rear. You need to use the one on the drivers side (pass side is for different use and will not power your trailer lamps). The easiest way to find it on the 2000 is to open the hatch and remove the left rear light assembly (couple phillips screws, pull straight out. The plug is attached to the end of wiring for the left rear brake & turns. It will be gray with a red or black nipple shaped cap. It may or may not have been tucked up out the way, possibily wrapped up in tape, but it is definitely there. I have seen quite a few trucks in this model year and every one of them had the connector. The $12 connector is the one you want for a 4-flat trailer harness.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Keep in mind that the '95-'97 wiring is different. The '98+ used plate lights in the tailgate. The plug behind the taillight will have a harness already plugged into it, for the plate lights.

This is the harness in the '95-'97 Gen II, the '98+ does not have this harness, thus the empty plugs behind the taillights:

The white end is the junction you showed in your pic, camper. The 2 lights are for the license plate. The plug at the other end is for the trailer plug if it's still there, or if it's not there, as Glen's apparently weren't. I just know that I've seen countless '95-'97's at the junkyard and all of them had the plug unless it was cut or sheared off.

Not saying that they weren't on yours, Glen, just saying I've not seen one without it unless someone cut it on purpose or it was torn off.

This harness is the one that plugs into the end with that little cap to give you your flat-4:

 

[Camper69]

ok...at work so dont have my camera on me. I looked under the bumper and followed that plug from my picture and it only leads to the two lights...(sad face) So what do i need to buy?

 

[Joe Dirt]

How fast to you need it?

If you have a few weeks, I can probably get one from the junkyard (the lights/plug harness above) and you can just plug it in... Otherwise, you need something like THIS

 

[Glen4X4]

The link that Joe posted is what I bought from a local trailer shop for my Explorer(s) easy install if you're sure you don't have the plug. I know Joe it seems to not make sense that neither the 95 or 96 had the plug but I assure you after tracing wires that I didn't have one on either.

 

[Camper69]

I hate to spend 50 bucks on a wire, but i guess i have no choice. Thanks guys! I am gonna have another look and see if there isn't one tucked up hidden somewhere, but prolly gonna order that wiring harness tomorrow.

Joe...I will verify my wiring hookup...how much would you charge me for that junkyard treasure?...lol I might be able to hold off until one is found.

 

[Camper69]

Possible solution?

Ok guys....I was in Autozone earlier today and the guy told me this is all I need. I come to you all cause you guys might know better. I just cant afford to spend 50 bucks on a kit and then spend another 50 bucks on installation. Starving teacher here! Anyway, wiping away his tears....is it really that simple to disconnect that plug and put this T connector there and voila?

Any advice or concerns?

Current wiring:

T connector/adapter:

 

[Joe Dirt]

Interesting- camper, I did start looking last weekend for you, but the yard closed earlier than I thought and I didn't have time to check all of the trucks. The 3 I looked at all had the plug ripped/cut off.

Only thing I'd worry about is that the box doesn't list the Explorer? I could see that potentially working though...

 

[Camper69]

I really appreciate the fact that you looked. If anyone can tell me why i shouldn't plug this up I will wait and listen...lol But two guys at Autozone said it would, but you know how that is..lol

I do want to do whats right. I think the 50-60 dollar kit is overkill. Its frustrating cause my year vehicle seems to be in between in a grey area on a lot of things. Wish there was a way to test it..so I know I will be ready when i do buy a popup. Thanks for your help!

 

[Camper69]

Alright now i am getting paranoid..lol I looked up wiring Kits on the Hopkins kits....as the one i bought is for the 150's (40125) I see one for 1996 explorers as model # 40325 ( see below)

http://owensclassicinternational.com/hy40125-1.html

http://owensclassicinternational.com/hy40325-2.html

My question is...what would be the difference if that grey plug is the same??

New question arises....MY ford is a 95 explorer...did they use a different plug than the one that got installed on mine. Cause i look at the adapter for the 95 and the plug is very different from what my exp has. Midyear change?

http://owensclassicinternational.com/hy40315-1.html

You saw my gray round plug...

 

[Lanky]

I guess I got lucky, my 2000xlt had an adapter in a plastic bag in the jack compartment.

 

[Joe Dirt]

That last kit you posted is a raging clusterfork. Those kits explain a lot of the trailer wiring issues and blown fuses from teh wires that run the length of the vehicle underneath.

If you don't need the towing stuff right away, give it some time- I know I can get the harness you really want in there. (the one I listed)