Towing question--- how to hook up lights to trailer

[D.Hearne]

First off, I'm not interested in smart assed remarks from those who are ignorant when it comes to towing with a Stang, so if you don't have positive input, keep it to yourself. It's my car, I'll do with it as I please. Title says it all. Ford says you can tow up to a 1000 lb trailer with the new Stangs, but doesn't offer a way to hook up the lights. They do not recommend splicing the wires. What did the rest of you who've installed hitches and are towing do about the lights ?

 

[BrownPSU78]

I got a feeling that there is now quick connect for the lights and blinkers...My Explorer has 300 pund bump hitch and 1000 pound frame type hitch....but there is no hook up for lights...you usually dont have one unless you have full hitch kit...
--Brown

 

[D.Hearne]

I stopped by a local dealer's parts dept. They could get the wiring setup for the Explorers and pickups, they just didn't list anything for the cars. I suspect that if there's a plug-in for it in the wiring harness ( I'm going under the car tomorrow to look for it) It's likely the same plug they used on the pickups ( I hope) They parts guy said it may be something that plugs in and interphases with the lighting module. My 95 E150 van had an assortment of pig-tails that plugged right in when I bought it. I wish they'd done the same for the cars, but I guess they figured there wsn't a big demand for towing with the cars. You can buy just about anything to cary anything on the vehicle, just not something to tow with.

 

[Denny55]

Towing w Mustang

I towed my 2000 lb boat w my Mustang. I knew it would because I helped develop the car at Ford. You do have to use caution as an emergency stop will be seriously impaired. Getting up a slippery ramp is the only negative.
I wish I could help w the wiring- the system is not normal and may not handle the increased resistance. You can add relays so the only load is to actuate the relay. Let us know what works. good luck - they are beautiful cars.

 

[D.Hearne]

I'm not worried about the Stang's ability to tow. I've driven almost everything that's got wheels or tracks, in all kinds of weather, road and traffic conditions known to man. 3 MILLION + MILES AND COUNTING, in over thirty years of driving. You build it, I can drive it. And don't tell me I CAN'T do something with it, I'll prove you wrong. Ever play "catch" with a Cat 966 front end loader, using hardwood logs ? Slippery ramps? I've run 18 wheeler tankers up freeway ramps that had 4" of ice coating them with NO traction aids. ( chains, salt, sand, etc.) That was fun If you had a hand in developing the car, YOU let me know what works in hooking up the trailer lights

 

[Denny55]

Trailer lights

Your comment- IF you worked on the car, TELL ME how to hook up the lights.
Since the customer is ALWAYS right, I will help you all I can. On the 2004 Mustang, the added load of another stop light would blow the fuse.This would require the addition of relays and a power source from the battery. The 05 car is likely the same. If the Ford dealer does not offer a wiring kit, I would call the Drawtite corporation for their recommendation. Their phone number is 1-866-308-9051. Ford Motor Co. hopes you have many happy towing experiences with your new car. I also worked on the 1967 Mustang that you owned - I hope you are pleased with that vehicle also. Denny- retired after 38 great years.

 

[D.Hearne]

I found a kit on etrailer.com that's got a module for the trailer lights and is powered by a wire directly from the battery. Going to try that. It's designed for light systems like the Stang's. Drawtite doesn't even mention anything like that on their site, but the site is also outdated. it would have been nice (also responsible) of Ford to tell the owners that in the manual in the first place. They just tell you that the car's capable of towing, but fail to tell you how to rig the car for it.