2.3L ('83-'97) Trailer wires

[Dustnesko]

So I have a 1997 Ford ranger and it has no trailer wires or plug? Is that a normal thing that Ford did?

 

[RonD]

Yes, trailer wiring was a pay extra option on some base models

There are also 2 basic trailer wiring layouts
Your 1997 has separate turn signal bulbs on the rear, so 5 wire layout

Most trailers combine turn and brake so one bulb is used for both, so 4 wire layout

So you would need to use a 3 to 2 wire converter, they are not expensive

 

[Dustnesko]

Awesome. Could I use one side or would I have to use wires from both sides?

 

[RonD]

???

1 Park light wire, brown wire
1 Brake light wire, light green

1 right turn wire, orange/blue stripe
1 left turn wire, light green/orange stripe wire

1 Ground wire

If you get a 3 to 2 wire converter, then both turn signal wires and the 1 brake light wire connect to the converter
Then trailer connector out has a left and right brake/turn, 2 wires out from 3 wires in

You do not cut the wires, you Splice into the needed wires

 

[Dustnesko]

I only asked because my right light, all my wires got sliced when I had my leaf spring shackle replaced, they had to cut a bolt off and somehow sliced my tail lamp wires in the process, I spliced them back, that's why I was asking if I could just use that side for everything but the turn signal I would obviously need a wire from the left

 

[RonD]

Yes, in 1997 it would, but in a later year you would have lost BOTH brake and turn on that side, lol

 

[Dustnesko]

It's been months since that happened and I'm still pissed about it. Like did you really have to slice my wires dude? Anyway, thank you for your help sir!

 

[scotts90ranger]

I wanted to put a hitch on my '97 and really didn't want to splice wires since that makes a possible reliability issue, I looked around and found the T type with a controller to mix the brakes and brake lights for like $25 that just plugs in behind the bumper, easy peasy... I didn't even have to install it, I had it shipped to work and was away on business so they took the opportunity to wire a backup beeper to one of the turn signal wires...

 

[Dustnesko]

Ooooo, I want that! Where can I get one??

 

[Dirtman]

Trailers is for towing.

 

[sheep herder]

Trailers is for towing.

Not always.

 

[Dirtman]

That's a chevy... it was still towed from that parking spot.

 

[Dustnesko]

Trailers is for towing.

Yea, no shit but I don't have the trailer wire plug

 

[scotts90ranger]

I can't find the one I got a few months ago, it's in the catalog I have at work, I'll add that tomorrow but it is pretty much like https://www.amazon.com/CURT-55325-Custom-Wiring-Harness/dp/B0009I5WU6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3188S8BQS1988&dchild=1&keywords=trailer+wiring+harness&pd_rd_r=692e9400-d128-4370-8fca-cca3460c43fa&pd_rd_w=soKIY&pd_rd_wg=xqzyU&pf_rd_p=8a68efb9-a680-488c-88fe-8333519f00b7&pf_rd_r=13PJHY775F484ED9W9G3&qid=1597616748&s=automotive&sprefix=trailer+w%2Cautomotive%2C313&sr=1-1&vehicle=1997-54-696-649-42-32-11-7-3450--8--4487-111-&vehicleName=1997+Ford+Ranger

I tried to make the link smaller and less ridiculous but there's a LOT of special characters in there that's probably making things mad...

 

[Curious Hound]

I can't find the one I got a few months ago, it's in the catalog I have at work, I'll add that tomorrow but it is pretty much like https://www.amazon.com/CURT-55325-Custom-Wiring-Harness/dp/B0009I5WU6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3188S8BQS1988&dchild=1&keywords=trailer+wiring+harness&pd_rd_r=692e9400-d128-4370-8fca-cca3460c43fa&pd_rd_w=soKIY&pd_rd_wg=xqzyU&pf_rd_p=8a68efb9-a680-488c-88fe-8333519f00b7&pf_rd_r=13PJHY775F484ED9W9G3&qid=1597616748&s=automotive&sprefix=trailer+w%2Cautomotive%2C313&sr=1-1&vehicle=1997-54-696-649-42-32-11-7-3450--8--4487-111-&vehicleName=1997+Ford+Ranger

I tried to make the link smaller and less ridiculous but there's a LOT of special characters in there that's probably making things mad...

You mean like this

https://tinyurl.com/yxaq7jzw

Tinyurl.com is very handy.