towing & wiring questions - a little long

althepa · 04-12-2004, 08:45 PM

I have a 2WD XE CC. It has the 7-pin connector at the rear for trailer wiring. I have installed an aftermarket Class III receiver. Questions:

(1) Using the Titan's 7-pin harness with a couple of different trailers, I notice the turn signals and brake lights on the trailers do work. However, the running lights on neither trailer worked (but all trailer lights did work on testing using my Dad's F150). So, clearly my Titan's harness is not outputting running light power. Is this unique to my truck? And is this related to...

(2) What's the process for making trailer brakes work? Do I indeed need to install the special harness (which I bought from the dealer on their advice - cheap item) to make trailer brakes work? I can't tell in light towing thus far whether the brakes on my trailer are working. If so, is there a step-by-step link? I assume installing the harness causes the relevant pins on the 7-pin connector at the rear to start working.

The truck tows like a dream, hopefully I can get these issues worked out.

Thanks Al

jd1973 · 04-13-2004, 06:03 AM

Al
Check to see if you have the two relays under the hood behind the battery.
Mine had them but some do not. There is another message thread covering this.
Tow Hitch

jd

keane · 04-13-2004, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by althepa

I have a 2WD XE CC. It has the 7-pin connector at the rear for trailer wiring. I have installed an aftermarket Class III receiver. Questions:

(1) Using the Titan's 7-pin harness with a couple of different trailers, I notice the turn signals and brake lights on the trailers do work. However, the running lights on neither trailer worked (but all trailer lights did work on testing using my Dad's F150). So, clearly my Titan's harness is not outputting running light power. Is this unique to my truck? And is this related to...

(2) What's the process for making trailer brakes work? Do I indeed need to install the special harness (which I bought from the dealer on their advice - cheap item) to make trailer brakes work? I can't tell in light towing thus far whether the brakes on my trailer are working. If so, is there a step-by-step link? I assume installing the harness causes the relevant pins on the 7-pin connector at the rear to start working.

The truck tows like a dream, hopefully I can get these issues worked out.

Thanks Al

Don't have an answer for your first question but for the 2nd one, have you installed a brake controller? You didn't mention it so I assume you haven't. In order to get the trailer brakes to work you need to install a brake controller.

althepa · 04-13-2004, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keane

In order to get the trailer brakes to work you need to install a brake controller.

I have to admit to being completely clueless about brake controllers. Are they easy DIY installs? What's the typical price? Any recommendations on brands, types and/or sources? Where do these things typically mount - underdash, etc? Thanks Al