Any luck replacing OEM 4-pin trailer wiring?
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Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 76
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From: CT
Any luck replacing OEM 4-pin trailer wiring?
Hello,
The 4 pin trailer wiring harness on my 99 F150 has corroded to a point where its unusable (Salt water mostly.)
The connector seems to be pretty specific to the truck, as it is made of a thicker rubber that seems to "slide" up into the metal bracket that holds it on.. and none of the local auto parts stores have anything, they just have the standard reese/hoppy "universal" setups.. and i was trying to have it as close to OEM as possible, without having all sorts of wires dangling.
Has anyone been able to replace that specific connector?
The 4 pin trailer wiring harness on my 99 F150 has corroded to a point where its unusable (Salt water mostly.)
The connector seems to be pretty specific to the truck, as it is made of a thicker rubber that seems to "slide" up into the metal bracket that holds it on.. and none of the local auto parts stores have anything, they just have the standard reese/hoppy "universal" setups.. and i was trying to have it as close to OEM as possible, without having all sorts of wires dangling.
Has anyone been able to replace that specific connector?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 43,535
Likes: 817
From: Joplin MO
You can get an OEM replacement harness, the other end plugs into a connector near the frame rail up above the spare tire.
However, I did mine a different way. I went over to U-Haul and bought a $5 4 pin connector with pigtails attached. I cut the factory connector off, soldered and shrinkwrapped the new one in, and used zip ties to strap the connector to the factory bracket.
To do it RIGHT, this is the best way:
http://www.etrailer.com/pc-VWH~118242.htm
http://www.etrailer.com/pc-A~37358.htm
This will let you tow a trailer with electric brakes if you ever need to.
However, I did mine a different way. I went over to U-Haul and bought a $5 4 pin connector with pigtails attached. I cut the factory connector off, soldered and shrinkwrapped the new one in, and used zip ties to strap the connector to the factory bracket.
To do it RIGHT, this is the best way:
http://www.etrailer.com/pc-VWH~118242.htm
http://www.etrailer.com/pc-A~37358.htm
This will let you tow a trailer with electric brakes if you ever need to.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,762
Likes: 0
From: Windsor, Ont.
Yup, glc's right, that would be the easiest and cheapest. I myself got the Ford 7/4 pin harness etc. That was an easy swap, 2 plugs and unscrewing 1 ground. You could just spray electrical contact cleaner really good in the holes, let dry, maybe do it a few times and then gob the dielectric grease in there.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 43,535
Likes: 817
From: Joplin MO
I had to change the connector - one of the 4 pins was completely corroded away.
What I do now to prevent corrosion is this - I bought one of those plastic things that plugs into the hitch receiver that has a lit Ford logo on it, it has a standard 4 pin plug. Plugging that in helps protect the socket, it's no longer open to the elements. It also helps keep the receiver itself from corroding.
What I do now to prevent corrosion is this - I bought one of those plastic things that plugs into the hitch receiver that has a lit Ford logo on it, it has a standard 4 pin plug. Plugging that in helps protect the socket, it's no longer open to the elements. It also helps keep the receiver itself from corroding.