trailer wiring

John Weaver · Sep 20, 2004

Not sure if this is the right forum. I have lost touch lately, anyway. I have a 1998 and 2004 (new body style) Ford F-150 pick-up trucks. Neither came with a trailer toe package, but both appear to have a plug under the dash for a brake controller. It seems to me I need a wire at the back of the truck to connect to the trailer brakes. I only have a 4 wire flat connector at the back bumper. Am I missing something? Are there diferences in the wiring for the two trucks? I hope to get one brake controller and move it between trucks as needed. Thanks, John.

KennyV · Sep 21, 2004

Hi John... I think a trailer is an attachment of sorts…

You have lights only it looks like… If you have any trailer supply or trick up your pu stores around. Look at their controllers. They will show the needed wiring and connectors.

I’ve never seen a controller that was practical to move from vehicle to vehicle. That’s not to say they are not made. You will be looking at the wiring soon so that may give you a chance to find a ‘portable’ controller. KennyV.

ronjhall · Sep 21, 2004

I can not help with your Ford wiring.
I have a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller. I purchased it from Southwest Wheel. They now have a separate site for brake controllers.
You can purchase separate plug-in pigtails and brackets that will allow installation in different vehicles.

BB_TX · Sep 21, 2004

John - Here is a <font color="blue"> site </font> with some trailer connector wiring information. I had a '97 F150 and bought a CD off Ebay for the Ford manual. It showed the complete truck wiring. Helped me do some trouble shooting on my trailer lights. I did have the factory towing package however.

John Weaver · Sep 21, 2004

Thanks for the information. I like what I read about the Prodigy. Will check with the local dealers to see what they have. Sounds like I will need to do some wiring to get the thing hooked up. John

theboman · Sep 24, 2004

I have a Prodgidy on my truck and pull my 5th wheel, it's a wonderful brake control!

Soundguy · Sep 24, 2004

On both my dodge and yukon I have the activator II by drawtite. I've never used a better controller. Good manual or auto controll.. no hassel hookup either. Heck.. my yukon and dodge had the option connecter under the das, and it plugged right in. On the yukon I then had to insert a big 30a fuse under the hood into the fuse box to supply power to the existing 7 pin trailer light plug standard ont he back., and my dodge was already wired and had power / circuit breaker for a 7 pin hookup.

Soundguy