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Tekonsha
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1997 - 2003 Ford F-150
Confirmed to Fit
2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
Confirmed to Fit
1997 - 1999 Ford F-250
Confirmed to Fit
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Tekonsha Tow Harnesses are the replacement for your factory electrical connector to the back of your vehicle. These harnesses are used to link the wiring from your vehicle to the trailer when towing. Tekonsha Tow Harnesses feature custom designs to fit each vehicle make and model based on manufacturer specifications. Plus, the Plug & Play connectors on the end of the wires make it easy to install. No cutting or splicing!
Tekonsha offers the largest, most complete line of Replacement Tow Harnesses. Hit the road with the peace of mind only Tekonsha can provide. Life's a Journey. Stop Often.
| BRAND: | TEKONSHA |
| PART NUMBER: | 118242 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED 1 YEAR WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 1.25 LBS |
| UNIVERSAL OR SPECIFIC FIT: | SPECIFIC |
| CIRCUIT PROTECTED: | NO |
| HARNESS TYPE: | MALE FEMALE |
| TERMINAL QUANTITY: | 7 |
| WIRE COLORS: | BROWN, GREEN, YELLOW, WHITE |
| WIRE QUANTITY: | 7 |
| WIRE GAUGE: | 18 AWG, .85 AVSS |
| POWER LEAD REQUIRED: | NO |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TYPE: | 2-WIRE SYSTEM |
| HARDWARE INCLUDED: | YES |
| AMPERAGE: | 30 A |
Tekonsha is a leading manufacturer of electronic trailer brake controllers, pioneering the category in the 1970s. The lineup spans proportional units such as the Prodigy P3 and Prodigy iD, time-delayed controllers, the wireless Prodigy RF, plus vehicle-specific wiring harnesses, adapters and trailer brake components engineered for smooth, predictable stopping at any speed.
Tekonsha Engineering Company began in 1964 building RV steps and mirrors. Within a few years it had found its real calling, and by the 1970s Tekonsha was pioneering the manufacture of electronic trailer brake controllers, the product category that still defines the brand. More than half a century later it remains the reference name in trailer braking and is part of the Horizon Global group alongside Reese, Draw-Tite, Fulton, Bulldog and Wesbar.
A brake controller is the component that tells a trailer's electric brakes how hard to work and when, and getting that right is the difference between a controlled stop and a shove from behind. Tekonsha builds both major types. Proportional controllers use an internal accelerometer to sense how quickly the tow vehicle is slowing and apply trailer braking to match, so light braking stays light and hard braking is immediate. Time-delayed controllers ramp to a preset output over a fixed interval, a simpler and more economical approach that suits occasional towing.
The current brake controller range covers most of that ground. The Prodigy iD pairs with a phone through Tekonsha's EDGE technology for setup and monitoring, the P3 offers storable settings for multiple trailers and a trilingual colour LED display, the Prodigy P2 adds a dimmable display and boost mode for heavier loads, and the Voyager keeps operation simple and dependable. The Prodigy RF mounts to the trailer itself and controls wirelessly, which suits rental fleets and drivers who swap tow vehicles.
Installation is supported by vehicle-specific brake control harnesses that plug into a factory connector rather than requiring cut-and-splice wiring, along with mounting brackets and adapters. Matched controller bundles pair a unit with the correct harness. Products are tested to meet and often exceed published industry standards.
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3 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 - 2003 | Ford F-150 | Tow Harness Wiring Package Uses all existing holes. No Drilling required Install Time is 5 minutes With Factory 4: Flat |
| 2004 | Ford F-150 Heritage | Tow Harness Wiring Package Uses all existing holes. No Drilling required Install Time is 5 minutes With Factory 4: Flat |
| 1997 - 1999 | Ford F-250 | Tow Harness Wiring Package Uses all existing holes. No Drilling required Install Time is 5 minutes With Factory 4: Flat |
The Tekonsha Tow Harness, 7-Way TK118242 (Part #TK118242) fits the following vehicles: 1997-2003 Ford F-150; 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage; 1997-1999 Ford F-250. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the Tekonsha Tow Harness, 7-Way TK118242 (Part #TK118242) is designed to fit the 1997-2003 Ford F-150.
The Tekonsha Tow Harness, 7-Way TK118242 (Part #TK118242) fits 1997-2003 Ford F-150 models. The 2004 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The Tekonsha Tow Harness, 7-Way TK118242 (Part #TK118242) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The 18242-037 is designed for specific vehicle models, but the manual does not list which vehicles it fits. You must consult your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm compatibility by checking whether your vehicle has a power distribution box with Trailer Tow Electric Brake, Trailer Tow Battery Charge, Trailer Tow Backup Lamp Relay, and Trailer Tow Battery Charge Relay locations. Contact the manufacturer or your vehicle dealer with your VIN to confirm fitment.
The kit includes two 30 amp maxi-fuses, two relays (Trailer Tow Backup Lamp Relay and Trailer Tow Battery Charge Relay), a trailer tow harness with vehicle wiring plugs, a white ground wire with ring terminal, and a 7-way socket connector. A bracket or electrical box to mount the harness is not included.
Yes. Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before beginning installation. Reconnect it only after all fuses, relays, and harness connections are complete (step 10).
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment on the driver's side. Some models also have a separate trailer tow relay block in the same location. You must consult your vehicle's owner's manual to access the specific fuse and relay locations for your model.
The vehicle's wiring harness plugs are located in the rear of the vehicle, underneath, inside the driver's side frame rail. The plugs will match the trailer tow harness connector ends.
Locate the vehicle's wiring harness plugs in the rear, underneath the vehicle, inside the driver's side frame rail. Carefully separate the vehicle's plugs and install the trailer tow harness between the mating plugs (see Figure 2 in the manual). The harness plugs will match the vehicle connector ends.
Attach the ring terminal on the white wire to an existing ground stud on the frame rail (see Figure 2). This provides the ground connection for the harness.
Two 30 amp maxi-fuses are provided. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to locate the Trailer Tow Electric Brake fuse and Trailer Tow Battery Charge fuse positions in the power distribution box, then insert the maxi-fuses into those locations. Depending on your vehicle's build date and trim level, you may not use all fuses provided.
Two relays are provided: the Trailer Tow Backup Lamp Relay and the Trailer Tow Battery Charge Relay. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to locate their positions in the power distribution box or trailer tow relay block, then insert the relays. Depending on your vehicle's build date and trim level, you may not use all relays provided.
The 7-way socket is the trailer connector plug included in the kit. Plug it into the trailer tow harness after the harness is installed between the vehicle plugs and grounded. This socket is where you will connect your trailer.
After reconnecting the negative battery cable, test the installation using either a test light or by connecting an actual trailer. This verifies that all fuses, relays, and connections are functioning correctly.
Secure all loose wires and mount the trailer tow harness in an accessible location using a bracket or electrical box. These mounting accessories are not included with the kit and must be obtained separately.
No. The existing 4-flat harness on the vehicle will remain functional after installing the 18242-037. Both connectors will work independently.
The manual does not list specific vehicle models. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to verify your vehicle has the required Trailer Tow Electric Brake, Trailer Tow Battery Charge, Trailer Tow Backup Lamp Relay, and Trailer Tow Battery Charge Relay locations in the power distribution box.
Yes. Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting installation and reconnect it only after all connections are complete.
No drilling is required. The harness connects to existing vehicle plugs and grounds to an existing frame rail stud.
The kit includes two 30 amp maxi-fuses, two relays, a trailer tow harness with vehicle plugs, a white ground wire with ring terminal, and a 7-way socket. A mounting bracket or electrical box is not included.
Two 30 amp maxi-fuses are provided for the Trailer Tow Electric Brake and Trailer Tow Battery Charge circuits.
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Ordered online. Shipment arrived on time and with all the correct parts. Great customer service and friendly staff. Also, pricing was great!
May 22, 2023
