2016 EL the trailer plug is in a really hard to get to spot and points down.. has anybody rectified this and gotten the plug horizontal

[timo482]

i want to move the plug so its in a better place.. has anybody been able to make any improvements

 

[2016 ford expo]

where do you want to move it

 

[GlennSullivan]

The bracket is welded to the trailer hitch frame. But you could unbolt the socket from the bracket, grind the bracket welds and either straighten the bracket to make the plug level or straighten and move the bracket to the rear to make the plug stick out a little further. Looks like there is a maybe 3/4" to move the bracket rearward on the hitch frame.

Also note that when these pictures were taken the spare was removed to find and correct a trailer plug ground issue. So you will need to do the same for any modifications.

 

[Wahoogator]

Never had a problem plugging mine in...

 

[timo482]

the more i look the harder it is to really fix.. i really dont want to weld on the load frame.. im going to look for some option to clamp a bracket on that's easier to see.. its the SEEING it part when trying to hook up.. it does work fine and the lid holds the plug in. but having to get the kneeler out so i can see the blasted thing is a hassle.

 

[GlennSullivan]

the more i look the harder it is to really fix.. i really dont want to weld on the load frame.. im going to look for some option to clamp a bracket on that's easier to see.. its the SEEING it part when trying to hook up.. it does work fine and the lid holds the plug in. but having to get the kneeler out so i can see the blasted thing is a hassle.

Admittingly, the hitch hardware on Gen 3 Expy's is not well positioned - up and under the rear bumper. More difficult than either my Expedition or Tahoe.

I don't have an issue with the electrical plug as I do it by "feel". What I do find to be a real PITA is connecting the safety chains, which are also set well back and under the bumper and I can't do them "by feel".

Sooo, this is how I deal with hooking up trailers to my 2 Expeditions and it works out well. Get this out of the garage if you have one, and if you don't, spend $20 or $30 and buy one.

I was really looking forward to you showing us how that modification looked.

 

[2013Tuxedo]

The round plug is easy, I never have issues with that one, the giant plastic key running the length of the plug should mean you don't even have to look. The 4-pin however is a giant pain and never wants to go in easily so I just skip it and use a 4-pin to round (7-pin) adapter.

As for the kneeler, keep one in the vehicle. Harbor Freight has them for a couple bucks, I have two plus a "Foldable EVA Mat" which works perfectly (folded up) as a seat or for folding out getting down on the ground. I also grabbed an unused yoga mat from a thrift store (look in February lol, though they are pretty cheap everywhere now) for getting underneath, it's thin which helps with clearance.

 

[timo482]

If getting up from in my knees was not such a hassle a kneeler would help. I’ll keep looking