If there is a factory 7 pin connector is there a brake controller already?

[RhinoWW]

I have a 2004 explorer which I am the second owner. I have the original window sticker and it has an additional option listed at class III/IV tow package for $400. On the rear there is a 2 inch receiver and a capped 7 prong connector.

I am new to looking at trailers and to understanding TVs as well. Does this 7 prong connection means that the brake control would work or just the brake lights?

Thanks for the help.

This is a 6 cylinder and althougt the car is rated to tow over 5k I would only use it to pickup a dry trailer up to 4k. But it would be nice to know if the brakes would work on the trailer as that would certainly extend my interest in towing beyond a few flat miles.

[xrvr]

You have to have a separate brake controller installed in the truck to have brakes. Then the brakes should work with the wiring you have. Others? Jim

[RhinoWW]

Thanks. Etrailer had some great resources. Turns out my explorer is pre wired and ready for a brake controller as is my wife's car. I think I will be placing an order for the controller shortly to be ready.

Any suggestions for a decent controller that could be swapped between vehicles? We would only have one car tow Mine is a 6 cylinder which would work in a pinch. Her car is much nicer and a bigger 8 cylinder so I think she may only use it to tow when the trailer is fully loaded. Was looking at the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Is that a worthwhile unit?

[wahoonc]

I still use a Prodigy controller that I bought about 8 years ago. The closest thing to it on the Tekonsha website is the P2 I also bought a couple of spare mounting pockets. I use it on 3 different trucks with 5 different trailers ranging from single axle 3,000# up to a monster 3 axle goose neck with a GVW of 35,000#. It is easy to swap between trucks and takes less than a minute to get dialed in when I move it.

One thing to note on the Ford, you may have to add a relay in the fuse block under the hood for the brake controller. Also Ford has a whole separate set of fuses for the trailer wiring so they are independent of the tow vehicle lights.

Aaron