06 escape - trailer wiring

[jvh003]

I've purchase a powered wiring harness for my 06 escape,
since after much reading this seems the best option to avoid
causing computer and/or other signal/light problems.

This unit comes with all t-connectors required to hook into the tail
light assemblies, which is really simple/easy to install.
But now I need to hookup the harness relay box to 12v power.
The install manual says to run a wire (with in-line fuse) under the
chasis, tie-wrapped to the frame upto the battery.
I really don't want to do it this way... as there is
not really an obvious "good" way to do it.
So I'd rather run the wire inside the cabin some how.

So my question is... where is the best place to pickup 12v power
for this harness ?
Or is there a simple way to run the wire thru the firewall to the battery ?
Or are there 12v power points to use in cabin fuse box ?
Other suggestions ?

thanks.

[Airjer_]

The reason they want you to run power from the battery is to eliminate the extra load on existing circuits. If you tap into an existing circuit than you are defeating the purpose of using the harness you have chosen. Taping into to battery on fords is very easy and can be done cleanly by installing an appropriately sized eyelet onto the wire, removing the terminal bolt, installing the eyelet/wire, and reinstalling the bolt. You can also purchase small diameter wire loom to wrap around the wire before zip tying it to whatever you choose.

If they come with factory trailer wiring it may be possible to purchase a kit from the dealer which allows you to install all the factory items that where not installed when the vehicle was built. I have done this on several vehicles for customers and they are pretty slick!

[jvh003]

Hi, thanks for the reply.
Yes I understand the reasoning behind the powered hookup.
But my difficulty is not with tapping onto the battery. As you mentioned
that part is easy to do, and I do have all those parts.

My question is related to running the wire itself underneath the chasis
from the front to the back of the vehicle. As I mentioned, I prefer
to run this wire inside the cabin. (or if you can share some good advice
on how to do this under the vehicle that would also be appreciated).

(Btw... my escape does have the pigtail connector under the bumper
at the back... but there is no power there... and there is no wiring
behind the "trailer wiring fuse" in the (in cabin) fuse box.
(apparently this is also quite common from my reading).

So just to clarify.... I'm looking for advise on:
- how to best run the wire under the vehicle
- or pickup 12v power inside the cabin
- or tips on how to run a wire thru the firewall (to the battery).

thanks.

[Airjer_]

look under the carpet and around where the other wires go through the fire wall. There is usuall somthing there that you can get a wire through. The trim pannels that go over the rockers pop up and the carpet can be pulled back to allow room to fish wires through. The kick panels are usualy the same way. You'll just have to start digging and see what pathway looks best to you.

As far as outside the vehicle rap the wire in wire loom as I mentioned above. Zip tie it to anything that appears solid and aloows the wire to tuck out of the way. There's no reason to worry about installing on the outside of the vehicle.

[jvh003]

ok... thanks.
I'll have another look inside the cabin.
I did have the rocker covers off on the inside... and thats
what was giving me the idea to run the wire inside in the first place.

I will also have another look underneath. The loom idea certainly may help.
I just couldn't see a good way to get across the rear wheel well, and keep
the wiring nice and tucked / protected.

(I'll post back in a few days... when I have figured it out).

[jvh003]

So this is what I did:
I ran the power wire inside the cabin, under the driver's side rocker
cover, under the plastic covers in front & rear door wells, (they pop off
quite easily) underneath the dash, thru the firewall to the battery.
(there's a large existing firewall hole with rubber cover on driver's side).
Nice & neat. Finally done.

Btw... part I used is: Tow Ready t-connector wiring harness
part number: 118426 (good for 05-07 escape and 05-06 tribute)

thx

[Airjer_]

See, piece of cake!

[kathy.rey8]

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[jackrusoni]

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[fredjacksonsan]

Now I've got 2 people to ban for advertising. [no sarcasm] Thanks for the report.