Add trailer lighting capability to your 2011-2014 Ford Explorer the right way -- no wire cutting, no splicing, no guesswork. The CURT 56172 T-connector integrates directly with the Explorer's factory tail light wiring harness using a plug-and-play connector, delivering clean 4-pin flat trailer wiring in about 30 minutes or less.
The CURT 56172 is part of CURT's T-connector family -- a line of vehicle-specific trailer wiring harnesses designed to integrate seamlessly with a vehicle's existing electrical system. Unlike universal splice-in kits, the 56172 uses OEM-style connectors that tap directly into the factory tail light plugs on the 2011-2014 Ford Explorer, preserving your factory wiring integrity and keeping your warranty intact.
The harness outputs a standard 4-pin flat connector, which is the most common trailer plug format used by boat trailers, utility trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, small campers, and pop-up tent trailers. If your trailer has a 4-pin flat plug, this harness is the correct solution for your Explorer.
Plugs directly into the Explorer's factory tail light connectors. No wire cutting or splicing required -- preserves OEM wiring integrity.
Delivers standard 4-pin flat connector output for left turn/brake, right turn/brake, tail lights, and ground -- the universal standard for light-duty trailers.
Engineered specifically for 2011-2014 Ford Explorer models. No adapter needed, no modification to factory harness connectors.
Built-in circuit protection helps prevent damage to the Explorer's sensitive electronics from trailer wiring faults or short circuits.
A T-connector harness is a vehicle-specific wiring solution that plugs in between the vehicle's factory tail light connectors and the existing bulb sockets. The "T" design means the factory circuit continues to function normally (powering your vehicle's own tail lights), while simultaneously sending the correct signals to the trailer connector output. You get trailer wiring without touching a single factory wire.
This is a 4-wire system -- it does not provide a 12V auxiliary power pin or a brake controller output wire. If you need those functions, you would need to step up to a 5-pin or 7-pin connector system with a separate brake controller.
Installation on the 2011-2014 Ford Explorer is straightforward and typically takes 30-60 minutes with basic hand tools: