Trailer Lighting Hookup

[steveatthebeach]

Does anyone know if the 1998 Explorer Sport comes with a wiring harness for a tow kit?

I just bought a boat and was looking under the rear of the truck and found a connector just sitting there. Before I go out and buy a light hookup kit, I want to make sure that I'm getting the right kit.

Thanks!

 

[dogfriend]

The 97 has a special connection for the trailer harness, so I would assume that the 98 has the same feature. Ford makes an adapter harness that plugs into the connector to convert to a regular flat 4 trailer plug. The harness was about $20 from the dealer when I bought it several years ago. The connector is just to the right side (passenger side) of the license plate above the rear bumper.

 

[rtbrjason]

I just got my 98 and don't know a whole lot about it, but it was advertised with a "towing package". Anyway, in the rear compartment where the jack is, was a trailer wiring harness. It looked unused so I'm thinking it came with the truck. Not positive though.

 

[DeathsArrow]

I have a '98 sport as well. There is a plug under the truck and behind the bumper on I believe the left side if you're looking at the rear of the truck. Just tell the dealer parts department that you need a trailer harness for your model and year. And it is about 20 bucks, or at least it was 3 or 4 years ago.

 

[steveatthebeach]

Thanks for the responses. I went out and looked and there is a connector under the truck on the left hand side. I guess I'll drop by the dealer and pick up the adapter. That will definitely save me some time and trouble.

I've been looking at tow hitches also as my son-in-law recommended one. Even though the back bumper is desiged for it, I feel funny towing a boat from the bumper alone. I have the 16" spare and I noticed you have to be careful when looking at the hitches, not all of them mention the 16" spare.

Thanks again!

 

[DeathsArrow]

I tow from the bumper, and you just have to be very careful with the load. If it's up towards the weight limit the trailer will be hard to control and have a tugging type feeling when you're accelerating..

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed, the 98 Sport has a connector regardless of whether you got the towing package or not. Make sure you get the kit from the dealer that includes the conduit clips and the mounting bracket for the plug so it's not always dangling in the breeze.

If your connector is in the jack compartment, it's not factory. However, I used to have mine in there.... I spliced the wires in at the harness behind the tail light (where the factory plug would ordinarily connect) and ran it through the grommet into the jack compartment with the rest of the light wiring. It was nice to have it out of the weather, but I like the factory wiring better.

-Joe

 

[Homerexplorer]

4 pin Trailer harness

Hoppy sells a 4-pin trailer wiring harness specifically for the Explorer that plugs into the pigtail under the driver's side taillight. You should see a red rubber nipple that pulls right off. I know it fits my '99 XLT and it says it fits a '98. You can pick them up at AutoZone or Walmart for ~$13.00.