Tow package - Is this a brake controller plug?

[Solace]

This may or may not be a really silly question, I'm completely stupid when it comes to cars....and especially when it comes to electrical stuff for cars. I bought my 2000 ford explorer limited a year ago with plans to use it for towing. I know it has the two package, but I'm curious as to what this plug is that I found under my steering wheel next to my hood release.

I'm thinking it's probably the diagnostic system hook up, but thought it couldn't hurt to ask.

Here are the pictures of the plug:

 

[m4dc0w]

Thats your OBD2 plug, used to read diagnostics, "check engine" light

Your plug for the tow package would be in the bottem rear of your truck, if you have the package the wiring will be there, if not you should find a "female" plug that you can attach a towing harness to.

Be warned though, unless you tow short distances and under 3500 Lbs, you may need to make some modifications.

 

[Solace]

Thats your OBD2 plug, used to read diagnostics, "check engine" light

Your plug for the tow package would be in the bottem rear of your truck, if you have the package the wiring will be there, if not you should find a "female" plug that you can attach a towing harness to.

Be warned though, unless you tow short distances and under 3500 Lbs, you may need to make some modifications.

Thanks, I was pretty sure it was the OBD2 plug, but thought it couldn't hurt to ask.

Okay, I do have a trailer hook up on my explorer (underneath the back bumper) does it take a lot of work to install a brake controller on a 2000 ford explorer?

I'm not planning on going cross country towing anything, just short trips and I'm having a guy friend of mine look over my explorer and tell me what exactly I need before I start towing with it.

Now I have a class II hitch on my explorer right now, before I tow anything would I want to get a class III hitch put on?

 

[m4dc0w]

If you need a trailer brake control, I'd recommend a class3 hitch.

as for wiring check out this thread.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176807

 

[Solace]

If you need a trailer brake control, I'd recommend a class3 hitch.

as for wiring check out this thread.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176807

Thanks for the reply and the thread on wiring. Another question, right now I have a 4 pin trailer plug for the hook ups, Is it hard to convert the 4 pin to a 6 or 7 pin plug on a 2000 Ford Explorer Limited?

 

[gijoecam]

If you just need to conver the connector, that's easy. They sell adapters for that. however, if you need to install wiring for the auxiliary power, trailer brake feed, and reverse lights, that'll require some more wiring. AFAIK, the second-gens aren't pre-wired for brake controls, only lights.

-Joe

 

[Solace]

If you just need to conver the connector, that's easy. They sell adapters for that. however, if you need to install wiring for the auxiliary power, trailer brake feed, and reverse lights, that'll require some more wiring. AFAIK, the second-gens aren't pre-wired for brake controls, only lights.

-Joe

Being a complete newbie to trailer wiring, what would I want to look for to see if it's wired for auxiliary power, trailer brake feed, and reverse lights? I'm 99.9% sure that it's just wired for the lights (4 pin) but I want to be sure before I take it into a shop to have it re-wired.

 

[JDraper]

Unless it was wired aftermarket, it's not set up for anything but a 4 pin light hookup. They did not come from the factory with anything but wiring for a 4 pin flat connector. You will have to add everything else to the truck. If someone did wire it up with everything it needs for trailer brakes and a controller, it would most likely have a 6 or 7 pin connector on the rear and a Class III hitch.

 

[Solace]

Unless it was wired aftermarket, it's not set up for anything but a 4 pin light hookup. They did not come from the factory with anything but wiring for a 4 pin flat connector. You will have to add everything else to the truck. If someone did wire it up with everything it needs for trailer brakes and a controller, it would most likely have a 6 or 7 pin connector on the rear and a Class III hitch.

Thanks, that's what I was thinking...I guess the hitch should have been a dead give away that it wasn't set up for a 6 or 7 pin connector. Looks like I have a bit of upgrading to do before I start towing trailers (with brakes that is), is kind of re-wiring something I would want to have a dealership or pro do?

Thanks everyone for all the help.

 

[rizzjc]

You only need to run one wire back from the brake controller to the hitch for the brakes. Then 2 wires from the brake controller to the battery. Then of course, just tap into the brake pedal wire. It's not real hard if you want to spend the time doing it. If not, I'd recommend a hitch shop over the dealer. I didn't run wire to charge the trailer battery while towing, but might do that one day as well.