Which plug for trailer lights?

[lekmedm]

I've been looking into getting a hitch for my '99 Explorer Sport, so I've been gathering some information to make the right purchase. So when reading about connecting trailer lights, I read somewhere that if the truck is so equipped, there is a plug under the bumper on the driver's side. So, I went to check in my truck, and happily I found just such a round plug. However, while having a look around down there, I found the same kind of plug under the passenger side as well! My question is, are they the same? Can I use either one, or do I need to use both? Does anyone else have 2?

 

[spotdog14]

mmm do either of them have caps over them? i know most say that it is a bright colored cap, but on my 95 its white. and if you take it off you will see enough room for 2 sets of 3 pins, but only 4 pins will be full, it should look like this:

*||
*||

So one empty followed by two pins, same for the bottom row.

 

[Homerexplorer]

They are not the same. The driver's side pigtail is definately for the trailer lights and no you don't need the other one. There's a 4 pin adaper that you can buy almost anywhere and is specific for the Explorer.

I'm not sure what the other one is. I noticed it too when I was installing my hitch. I tested the one on the passenger side and could not figure it out -and I never got an answer on here. I also asked the dealer and they didn't know there were pigtails under there! If you figure it, please post it.

 

[lekmedm]

They are not the same. The driver's side pigtail is definately for the trailer lights and no you don't need the other one. There's a 4 pin adaper that you can buy almost anywhere and is specific for the Explorer.

I'm not sure what the other one is. I noticed it too when I was installing my hitch. I tested the one on the passenger side and could not figure it out -and I never got an answer on here. I also asked the dealer and they didn't know there were pigtails under there! If you figure it, please post it.

Thanks for the info. I'll let you know if I find out about the passenger side socket.

BTW, where did you buy your wiring harness for lights?

 

[Homerexplorer]

Walmart but Autozone and Advance Auto carry it too. Here's what you're looking for
http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=4964&categoryID=210